I'm scared to go back to sleep due to calf muscle cramps?

Question

last night i got a severely painful calf cramp, but surprisingly it didn't wake me up from my dream. it was gone in 30 seconds or so, but i had to hold it with all my might so the pain would lessen. im soooo scared to go back to sleep. im afraid it'll happen again!

what should i do?

has this happened to you?

Answer 1

Try eating some bananas, they have a lot of potassium in them.  The cramps could be a cause of lack of it (potassium).  If that doesn't help, try a few other options.

Answer 2

Leg (muslce) cramps can from come extreme walking or exercise. Another reason is defiency in potassium. Eating bananas, potatoes, orange juice, gatorade etc. food with potassium is good in combating these cramps.  

Answer 3

It's happened to me, yeah. It's quite common for pregnant women, as well. What causes it is muscle malnutrition. Basically, you're not eating enough of your fruits and veggies, and your muscles don't have enough vitamins. Therefore, when you stretch them, they complain.

I'm not entirely sure why that only happens during the night, but I know it's pretty common - especially for college kids that are only eating ramen and have basically 0% vitamin intake.

Just make sure you have a nice, fruity breakfast and a really veggietastic meal every once and awhile, and you'll be just fine. Also, when you point your toe in the middle of the night, that's what causes the cramp. Try pulling your leg muscle in the opposite direction - like you're digging your heel into the air - and try and stretch it back out. I've found this effective to help the duration of the pain. Either that, or stick the whole leg up in the air and pray your leg goes numb before you pass out from the pain - ha. :P

Answer 4

this has DEFINATLEY happened to me! I actually just got one last night.I suggest taking a heating pad and putting it under the leg that likes to cramp alot. The main thing is though,is to drink LOTS of water! Oh,I find that eating a spoonful of mustard makes the cramp go away.I dont know if it will work for you, but it is worth a shot! Good luck and I feel you pain!Literally!

Answer 5

I only get those when i dont turn over for a certain amount of time, all you do is turn over facinging the other side, or just walk around a bit taking some pain reliever.. thats what i usually do and it works for me!!

Answer 6

Nocturnal leg cramps

Nocturnal leg cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that occur in the calves, soles of the feet, or other muscles in the body during the night or (less commonly) while resting. The duration of nocturnal leg cramps is highly variable with cramps sometimes only lasting a few seconds and other times several minutes. Soreness in the muscles may remain for some time after the cramp ends. These cramps are more common in older people but may happen to anyone. They can happen quite frequently in teenagers and in some people while they are exercising at night. Nocturnal leg cramps can be very painful, especially if the person is dehydrated.

The precise cause of these cramps is unclear. Potential contributing factors are believed to include dehydration, low levels of certain minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium), and the reduced blood flow through the muscles attendant in prolonged sitting or lying down. Less common causes include more serious conditions or the use of drugs.

Nocturnal leg cramps may be relieved by stretching the affected leg straight out and pointing the toes upward. People report that quickly standing up and walking a few steps may also shorten the duration of a cramp.

Nocturnal leg cramps (almost exclusively calf cramps) are considered to be 'normal' during the late stages of pregnancy. They can however vary in intensity from mild to incredibly painful. Although unproved, a commonly accepted treatment is a starchy foodstuff before bedtime such as porridge or rice.