Night Cramps
What are Night Cramps?
If you awaken in the middle of the night with searing cramps in your lower legs and feet, you may have what’s known as nocturnal leg cramps, or night cramps.
Night cramps, which are medically known as nocturnal leg cramps, are involuntary spasms in the muscles of your legs and feet while you sleep, often waking you because of the pain. Most people feel cramping in their calves, but night cramps can affect any muscles in your legs or feet.
Dr. Michaels Says:
“Night Cramps are typically caused by a magnesium or potassium deficiency. We treat this with getting you magnesium and a blood test for potassium. If your potassium level is low we prescribe a potassium pill as well as the over the counter magnesium. There are drugs that can treat this as well and they have nasty side effects. Why treat this with a drug when it is a mineral deficiency. We simply take the logical and natural approach and give you the minerals needed to relieve symptoms. People usually have their symptoms go away in about 2-3 days using this natural approach.”
Night Cramps Treatment Options
Since night cramps are caused by muscle contractions or spasms, Dr. Michaels takes a holistic approach to treating the problem using a natural vitamin therapy rather than prescription drugs, which provide only temporary relief. The vitamin therapy contains three important ingredients:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Vitamin K
These three minerals help your muscles function properly and correct any deficiencies that may be contributing to your cramps.
In addition to the vitamin therapy, Dr. Michaels also recommends gentle stretching exercises to help relax and loosen your muscles. You can do these exercises before bedtime or during the cramp itself. In addition to these exercises, Dr. Michaels recommends that you hydrate properly throughout the day, which can go a long way toward relieving muscle cramps.
While all of these approaches tackle the cramps, Dr. Michaels also works with you if there’s an underlying problem that’s leading to the cramps. For example, if you have cramps from diabetic neuropathy, Dr. Michaels helps you manage your diabetes to halt your neuropathy and alleviate any related cramps.
To learn more about preventing night cramps, call Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute or use the online scheduling tool to request an appointment at one of their two locations.
