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CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
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02458.txt
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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK02458}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Causes Leg Cramps?}
$Subject{awakened calf leg cramp sleep stretched foot muscle gastrocnemius
spasm tense cramps exercise night spasms bedtime ill defined symptoms symptom
musculoskeletal system muscles calves legs night Spastic painful contraction
cramped}
$Volume{N-18,M-18}
$Log{}
Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
What Causes Leg Cramps?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: I was awakened from a deep sleep with a terrible pain in the calf
of my leg. It was a long while before the pain went away and I could feel my
leg relax again. This has never happened to me before, and I am very worried.
Do you know what this is, what caused it and what I can do to prevent it from
ever happening again? I would be most thankful for any help you can provide.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: You have described a leg cramp quite clearly, and these painful
episodes may occur either during exercise or sleep. In your case, you
probably stretched your foot or toes downward, causing the big muscle in your
calf (gastrocnemius) to contract. However, instead of a normal contraction,
the muscle went into a spasm, becoming hard and tense, and as you felt, quite
painful. These cramps usually last for but a few minutes and then let up on
their own. You can help ease the cramp and reduce the pain by massaging the
area. Try to point your toes towards your head, which will stretch the muscle
again. Getting out of bed and standing on the leg can also help.
The cramps occur most after a day of unusual activity or exercise, for
strenuous exertion can fatigue these muscles. Wearing a high heeled shoe, or
one that is higher than you may be accustomed to, can also contribute to the
formation of the cramp at night. They are more common during pregnancy, in
individuals with diabetes, or those who suffer from circulatory problems.
Similar cramps may also attack an individual during exercise, but they
are provoked by muscle fatigue, excessive sweating and loss of potassium, and
dehydration. Drinking plenty of water during periods of exercise can help to
prevent cramps.
If your muscle spasms are but an occasional happening, there is nothing
to worry about. However recurring episodes should be reported to your own
physician, who may wish to prescribe a muscle relaxant to be taken before
bedtime.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.