Why Do Your Muscles Cramp at Night? Common Causes and When to Be Concerned

This blog is going to talk about the common muscle cramps causes, and what magnesium, calcium and vitamin D can do to them, what muscle cramps treatment options are out there, whether there is a cure for muscle cramps, and when we should consider a vitamin d test, calcium test or magnesium test.

We’ve all been there when a cramp hits in the middle of the night and we shoot up out of bed, the beautiful calf muscle turns into a horrific shape, the pain feels like our calf has turned to steel! Well that could be one of the reasons for a bad night’s sleep. Luckily muscle cramps are relatively harmless, and they can cause fatigue in the short-term, and make you sore the next day. They are not always in the same place; some people only have cramps in their calf, and some people get muscle cramps in feet. Some people even get pains in calf muscles just from walking.

This blog is going to talk about the common muscle cramps causes, and what magnesium, calcium and vitamin D can do to them, what muscle cramps treatment options are out there, whether there is a cure for muscle cramps, and when we should consider a vitamin d test, calcium test or magnesium test.

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What Are Muscle Cramps?

A painful muscle tightening. They can occur in any muscle but they are common in the calf. They can last from a few seconds up to 10 minutes. They can be painful for up to 24 hours. They are sometimes mistaken for another type of injury.

Night leg cramps affects up to 60% of adults (American Academy of Family Physicians Review). These are often benign, but worth knowing about.

What Causes Muscle Cramps? Common Muscle Cramps Causes

Muscle cramps are not completely understood, but they are more likely due to muscle fatigue and nerve problems than electrolyte problems. Common muscle cramps causes include:

• Muscle fatigue or stagnating in one position for long periods of time 
• Hot weather, excessive sweating and dehydration 
• Age and late pregnancy 
• Problems with circulation, kidney and thyroid issues, cirrhosis of the liver, degeneration of nerves in the spine, dialysis 
• Certain medications (speak to your doctor) 

 

Vitamin D, Calcium And Magnesium

Sometimes, Vitamin D increases calcium absorption in the gut. This can lead to calcium levels in your blood to decrease, leading to weak muscles and cramps in the long run. Despite the sun in India, Vitamin D deficiency is quite common because of our lifestyle that makes us stay inside most of the time. We cannot get excessive food from our food.

A vitamin d test, calcium test or magnesium test can be done to find a reversible cause.

Pain in Calf Muscles

Cramp isn’t the only cause of pain in calf muscles. If when you’re walking and you are experiencing calf pain that improves on stopping then you may have a circulation problem. Some circulation problems and RLS ( Restless Legs Syndrome ) can cause similar symptoms. If you notice swelling, redness and heat in one calf then you could be experiencing a blood clot then one should get an urgent assessment.

Muscle Cramps in Feet

Muscle cramps in feet are also less common. Usually, they are a little different. Sometimes your toes or arches will curl. This can happen when you’re just sitting or resting and often you have numbness or tingling. If you have a history of diabetes this is more likely.

Muscle Cramps Treatment & Curing

For quick muscle cramps treatment, help your muscle to stretch and relax by massaging it. Stand and press down on your leg. Take some ibuprofen/paracetamol to relieve the pain.

Here are some easy lifestyle modifications to help you prevent cramps:

• Do calf stretches at bedtime each evening (unsubstantiated) 
• Ensure you drink plenty of fluid (have a little more when it’s hot) 
• Increase activity slowly. Sudden or vigorous activity can lead to fatigue in the muscles and lead to cramps 

Is There A Cure for Muscle Cramps?

Unfortunately there is no definite cure for muscle cramps. Treatment is often directed to the specific cause. Quinine is no longer recommended as it has serious side effects. The evidence for magnesium is inconclusive.

 

Common Misconceptions

Often not!

• Must I still take magnesium tablets? There is sparse evidence of benefit and should be prescribed under medical supervision. 
• Usually yes, but if you have regular or one sided symptoms then check. 

What To Do

Gently stretch your calf muscles before going to sleep each night. Make a diary of your calf cramps. Record how long they last, when they happen, what you are doing at the time and the medication you are taking. Do not take quinine or supplements, your doctor may want to order a vitamin d test, calcium test or magnesium test to check for deficiency.

When To See A Doctor

If your cramps are causing you to wake up from sleep, occurring regularly or for more than 10 min or you are having numbness, swelling or weakness or they began soon after starting a new medication.

If you experience a rapid rise in swelling, temperature and redness, see a doctor.

Diagnosis

Most often diagnosed from taking a history and examining your legs and feet. Blood tests can be performed, including a vitamin d test (25-hydroxyvitamin D), calcium test and magnesium test. Blood tests that you might have if required will be for kidney function, TSH levels and glucose levels. Deficiency of vitamin D should be diagnosed when the blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D is less than 20 nanograms per ml (20ng/ml), sufficient levels at 30ng/ml or greater.

To get your lab test completed and proved right, your doctor can instruct you about avoidance of taking any unnecessary vitamins.

Conclusion

In the vast majority of cases, night cramps are nothing to worry about but it can be one of many symptoms of a treatable condition. Most people who have muscle cramps will be back on track with gentle stretching, some blood tests, and an early diagnosis from your doctor. Book a vitamin d test, calcium test or magnesium test – just a little piece of the puzzle!