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Pain in calf at night while lying down
Dear Dr.
My wife needs an advice on continual pain & numbness in calf when she sleeps at night, which causes her insomnia. Please advice solution, for your info we did a complete body blood test last week again which was almost normal.
I asked her to take B conplex as advised by someone. Do we have a fool proof solution to this pain in calf at night.
Thank you
Answers (2)
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Nocturnal leg cramps are pains that occur in the legs during the night. They usually cause awakenings from sleep, but they may also occur while awake at night during periods of inactivity. These cramps are most often present in the calf muscles but can also occur in the thighs or feet.
Causes
Sitting for long periods of time
Over-exertion of the muscles
Standing or working on concrete floors
Sitting improperly
Treatment
Stretch and massage.
Stretch the cramped muscle and gently rub it to help it relax.
For a calf cramp, put your weight on your cramped leg and bend your knee slightly.
Apply heat or cold.
Use a warm towel or heating pad on tense or tight muscles.
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Dr. Bipin Ninan Abraham
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Bangalore
Nocturnal leg cramps are pains that occur in the legs during the night. They usually cause awakenings from sleep, but they may also occur while awake at night during periods of inactivity. These cramps mostly happen in the calf muscles but can also occur in the thighs or feet. Nocturnal leg cramps are quite painful and cause the affected muscles to feel tight or knotted. Symptoms may last from several seconds up to several minutes. There might also be muscle soreness after the cramp goes away. The cause of nocturnal leg cramps is often times unknown, but some cases have been linked to:
- Sitting for long periods of time
- Over-exertion of the muscles
- Standing or working on concrete floors
- Sitting improperly
- Pregnancy
- Alcoholism
- Dehydration/electrolyte imbalances
- Parkinsonâs disease
- Neuromuscular disorders (neuropathy, myopathy, motor neuron disease)
- Structural disorders (flat feet)
- Endocrine disorders (diabetes, hypothyroidism)
- Diuretics, statins, beta agonists
I would advise you to visit the general surgeon so that she can be examined and undergo the necessary investigations such as doppler, electrolyes, etc to find the underlying cause and have it treated accordingly. These following steps may help
- Forcefully stretching the affected muscle is usually the most effective way to relieve the cramp.
- You might be able to relieve the cramp by walking around, jiggling your leg, or massaging the leg.
- Warm baths or showers may be helpful.
- Applying ice has also shown some benefit.
- Make sure that you stay hydrated aim to drink 3 liters per day
- Gently stretch your leg muscles before you go to sleep.
- Keep blankets and sheets loose around your feet so that toes are not distorted.
- Wear properly fitted shoes.
- Spend a few minutes riding a stationary bicycle before going to bed.
If the problem persists or worsens visit the general surgeon at the earliest
Next Steps
Follow the steps as advised
Health Tips
If condition persists or worsens visit the general surgeon at the earliest
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.