How to Get Rid of Night Leg Cramps

Involuntary contractions that happen in the quadriceps, calves and hamstring areas of the leg cause nocturnal or night leg cramps. They can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, occurring for just a few minutes of time or on and off throughout the night. Causes for this may include restless leg syndrome, prescription drug side effects, fatigue, pregnancy, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration and being overweight. There are many things you can do to help ease your symptoms and reduce episodes of leg cramps.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Horse chestnut
• Hot bath
• Heat
• Valerian tea
• Acupressure
• Calcium-magnesium supplement

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Instructions

• 1

  Drink enough water. Since dehydration can be a contributing factor to nighttime leg cramps, ensure that you getting enough water during the day. Try to drink an 8 oz. glass of water every three hours throughout the day up to bedtime, so that toxins can be flushed from your muscles.

• 2

  Try horse chestnut. This herb comes from a tree that originated from the Balkans and has been commonly used to treat cases in which there is insufficient blood flow to the veins of the legs. Follow the manufacturer's dosage instruction. Consult your doctor before taking horse chestnut if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver or kidney problems or are taking any prescription medications.

• 3

  Get in the bathtub. A soothing soak in a hot bath, prior to going to bed will help relax your leg muscles and aid you in falling asleep. Add mineral salts to the water for more relief.

• 4

  Apply heat to the area of your leg that is affected. You can put a heating pad on it for a few minutes to help the muscles relax. However, do not put the setting too high or leave the pad on your leg too long or it could result in burns. If you do not have a heating pad, soak some wash cloths in hot water, wring out and apply them to the cramp.

• 5

  Sip a cup of valerian tea. This herb is derived from a perennial that is native to parts of Asia and Europe and is well known as a natural sedative. Drink a cup of valerian tea prior to bedtime to help relax your muscles and reduce the occurrence of leg cramps. Talk to your doctor before taking valerian if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have epilepsy or are on prescription medications. Do not drive if you take valerian, as it can make you feel drowsy.

• 6

  Consider employing some acupressure. This involves stimulating certain meridian points on your body by applying pressure to them to treat specific conditions and physical problems. To ease leg cramps, squeeze or apply pressure to your upper lip.

• 7

  Take a calcium-magnesium supplement at bedtime. Deficiencies in these nutrients can trigger leg cramps. Taking a daily supplement in the evenings should help reduce leg cramping.