what deficiency causes leg cramps at night

The cramps can commonly occur in bed at night. Accessed Nov. 2, 2022. 2. When it does arise in the legs, it is often described as a sudden and stabbing pain or deep aching. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. This is because calcium helps muscles contract and relax. MD. Leg cramps are a common symptom of many different conditions, but theyre often caused by a lack of water or electrolytes in the body. However, its also important to remember that drinking alcohol can cause lactic acid build-up, which can trigger muscle cramps. Take all prescribed vitamins and medications such as muscle relaxants. Ensuring you have plenty of magnesium in your dieta mineral many Americans dont get enough ofmay be beneficial. Certain medications can also keep your body from absorbing magnesium. Other symptoms that may accompany leg pain may include weakness and fatigue, light-headedness and dizziness, palpitation and rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or a sore, red tongue. The NIH says youre more likely to be at risk of magnesium inadequacy if youre living with: People over the age of 60 are also more likely to have low magnesium. Some people are more at risk for muscle cramping in the legs. NLCs, also called charley horses, are uncontrolled spasms in the muscles of the leg that may be painful. Policy. Leg pain and cramps may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, such as vitamin D, or a mineral deficit, such as iron, folate or magnesium. A review published in a January 2019 issue of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews showed that iron therapy probably improves the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. This drop in potassium levels causes muscles to contract involuntarily, leading to leg cramps. 2. Just as magnesium makes fireworks light up more brightly, its used by our bodies to liven up a range of functions. Different factors can cause leg cramps, such as medications, standing for a long time, pregnancy, dehydration, alcohol consumption, exercise, and underlying medical issues. Ingestion of too much chocolate can lead to caffeine intoxication, a condition characterized by anxiety and restlessness. Theres evidencealthough much of it is mixedthat calcium, magnesium, and potassium imbalances play a part in cramping. Do you think that my muscle spasms are a symptom of a disease? Can you show me the best massage techniques I can use to help with my muscle spasms? They can involve part or all of a muscle, or several muscles in a group. "Cramps of pain associated with B12 deficiency-related neuropathy can happen at any time of day - or just at night." Most conditions that cause leg pain or numbness improve with . While weve all experienced a leg cramp at one point or another, they appear to be more common after age 50, shows a 2017 study in BMC Family Practice. The muscles contract and it takes treatment and time for them to relax. Some medicines and illnesses also might cause muscle cramps. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Vitamin B1 deficiency can cause heavy and tired legs after running, muscle cramps, fatigue, and odd sensations in your legs and feet. B12 is naturally present in animal products such as meat, offal, milk, fish, and eggs, but the richest sources are liver, clams, kidneys, and oysters. However, they can indicate an underlying problem. Harvard Health notes: Vegans can develop vitamin B12 deficiency because they lack vitamin B12 in their diets. Keep reading to learn what leg cramps are, common causes of nocturnal leg cramps, and possible treatments. If youre concerned that you might be deficient in B1, talk to your doctor for a test. Aging might also play a role in leg cramping, Dr. Garrison says. Unfortunately, leg cramps happen very suddenly. If the muscle spasm is severe, happens frequently, responds poorly to treatment and is not related to obvious causes, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. A deficiency of any of these essential minerals or vitamins such as Vitamin B12 can cause nocturnal leg cramps. Efficacy of Vitamin D Therapy for Resolution of Symptoms", Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Folate-Deficiency Anemia", Nutrients: "Magnesium in Prevention and Therapy", Harvard Health Publishing: "Vitamin B12 Deficiency Can Be Sneaky, Harmful", Movement Disorders Clinical Practice: "Iron in Restless Legs Syndrome", Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: "Iron for the Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome", National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: "Vitamin D", National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: "Magnesium". Make a donation. Studies show magnesium supplementation alone is not effective for resolving nocturnal leg cramps. All Rights Reserved. Leg pain and cramps may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, such as vitamin D, or a mineral deficit, such as iron, folate or magnesium. Some possible home remedies to find relief in the moment include: Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, will not help ease cramps because cramps are not related to inflammation. What causes cramps in legs and feet at night? Certain medications, pregnancy, alcoholism and a poorly balanced diet can lead to folate deficiency, explains Johns Hopkins Medicine. Leg pain comes in many forms. Vitamin D: Deficiency in vitamin D is known to cause leg cramps at night. This may include activities such as walking or spending a few minutes on a stationary bike before bedtime. Magnesium, calcium, potassium are three pillars on which the health of the body rests. In general, they're likely the result of tired muscles and nerve problems. And you likely have symptoms other than just night leg cramps. To prevent leg cramps, use pillows to keep your toes pointed upwards if you sleep on your back. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. But the National Institutes of Health also says its not as common to have symptoms associated with inadequate magnesium levels. It may lead to a decrease in muscle tone. However, your liver can store vitamin B12 for up to five years, so its rare for diet to cause this anaemia.. One of the most common causes of leg cramps is dehydration. Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration, one of the main causes of leg cramps. The risk of having night leg cramps increases with age. Without this coating, the nerves become damaged, giving rise to a plethora of problems, including pain. You may also have trouble walking due to an impaired balance. There are no warning signs. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Early warning signs include fatigue and stiffness. Most muscle cramps are harmless. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Medicines, such as those used to treat blood pressure problems and high cholesterol, and birth control pills. Dr. Garrisons own research has shown nighttime leg cramps are more common in summer than in winter. Your body produces vitamin D from sun exposure. If you sleep on your chest, hang your feet over the end of the bed. The following are frequently asked questions about NLCs and their answers. 4. Depletion of electrolytes (salts and minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium in your body). Do you recommend that I see a physical therapist, sleep specialist, massage therapist or other specialist? Chiropractic Adjustments in Fort Worth TX, Family Medicine Physician in Fort Worth TX, medical weight loss program Fort Worth TX. Association between physical activity and nocturnal leg cramps in patients over 60 years old: A case-control study. Leg cramps can occur in the thigh, calf, or foot. Sleeping on your side, with your feet off the bed, or in some other position that keeps your toes neutralnot pointing away from youmay be a better position for these muscles. This article looks at the cause of leg cramps in the night and provides tips for relieving pain along with some preventive measures. And some people may not have any symptoms at all.. The magnesium options dont end with a multitude of oral supplements. Bilirubin. American Osteopathic Association. Thats why the FDA advises people to steer clear of the drug to treat leg cramps. As symptoms start appearing initially, they can be hard to pick up due to their subtlety. There is a problem with health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Muscle spasms . 11 Possible Causes of Legs Cramps at Nightand Three Treatments, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. If your diet alone doesnt do the trick, though, a magnesium supplement can help. Muscle spasms can feel like a stitch in the side or be agonizingly painful. Muscle cramp. Tonsillitis Food to Avoid: What food to avoid with Tonsillitis? Occasionally, painful sensations can arise in the legs, with some health sources saying the symptoms may occur exclusively at night. Magnesium. When levels of this vitamin are low, it can lead to cramping and discomfort. (Thats what they call it when you dont get the recommended amount of magnesium in your body, but youre not exactly at the point of a magnesium deficiency.). Leg cramps are closely associated with dehydration. Theyre also common in many processed foods. Naoki Umeda, MD, a specialist in integrative medicine, answers questions on what you need to know about this important mineral. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Massage the affected area with your hands or a massage roller. Some researchers have theorized that our modern lifestyle is to blame. National Library of Medicines list People may confuse NLCs with restless leg syndrome. Looking for foods that cause leg crampsat night? However, your liver can store vitamin B12 for up to five years, so its rare for diet to cause this anaemia.. Theres also research showing that people who spend a lot of time each day standing are more likely to experience leg cramps than sitters. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. The dangers of vitamin B12 deficiency lie mainly in the damage it causes to the nerve endings. include protected health information. They contain high tyramine, a compound that can cause muscle cramps. Cramps can happen during or right after hard exercise, or while you're in bed at night. Simple home remedies may help in the moment, such as flexing the foot, stretching the legs, or massaging the tense muscle. An iron deficiency can also cause cramps in your leg muscles or restless leg syndrome, which causes discomfort in your legs when you're lying down or sitting, according to MayoClinic.com. Other experts have observed that, when lying face down in bed, the foot is often in a plantar flexion positionmeaning the toe points away from you, shortening the calf muscles. When it does arise in the legs, it is often described as a sudden and stabbing pain or deep aching. Some experts believe that one of more of the following may be to blame in most cases: Possible causes for nocturnal leg cramps (leg cramps at night), specifically, include: Muscle spasms can feel like a stitch in the side or be agonizingly painful. Which is right for you? https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/muscle-cramps. Glucose. If you suffer from leg cramps often, youll want to avoid dairy products as much as possible. If youre experiencing leg cramps, its probably because youre deficient invitamin B1 (thiamine). This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Smoking tobacco creates an inflammatory response in your body, which triggers leg cramps. Experiencing leg cramps at night is fairly common. What Deficiency Causes Leg Cramps at Night? According to a study, taking multivitamins rich in magnesium can reduce the severity of leg cramps, especially in pregnant women. This might be due to the increased nutritional demands or hormone changes in the body during pregnancy. This may lead to fluid imbalances, as well as muscle and tendon shorteningall of which could lead to cramping. at night? A deficiency of 1 or 2 vitamins, especially calcium, magnesium, and potassium, could affect your muscles. They can run a blood test or check your calcium and potassium levels to help pinpoint the problem. Some potential causes of leg cramps at night may include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, muscle fatigue, and low blood sugar levels. While menopause is a natural, hormonal change that occurs in women typically after the age of 40 and is characterized by irregular menstrual periods, night sweats, hot flashes and mood swings, leg swelling is not usually one of the signs associated with menopause. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Drinking fluids, especially water, throughout the day can help prevent cramps by keeping the muscles functioning well. Idiopathic means that the exact cause is unknown, and thats the case with muscle spasms. Medications: Some medications, like diuretics, steroids, and antidepressants, are associated with nocturnal leg cramping. The numerous doctors I saw told me everything from "I don't know" to "you're getting old." Then my gynecologist told me a calcium deficiency could cause cramps and prescribed an over-the-counter calcium supplement. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. (this includes leg and foot cramps). Cramps of pain associated with B12 deficiency-related neuropathy can happen at any time of day or just at night.. But leg pain due to a vitamin deficiency is different. https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/muscle-cramp/. If a person experiences them frequently, if they get in the way of daily life, and if home methods do not help, they should speak with a doctor about possible causes and treatments. Choose water and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Click here for an email preview. .css-1pm21f6{display:block;font-family:AvantGarde,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1pm21f6:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.3;}}12 Reasons You Have Swollen Fingers, 10 Signs of Acid Reflux Everyone Should Know, 8 Signs of a Blood Clot You Should Never Ignore, Your Hormones May Be Why You Cant Lose Belly Fat, Everything You Should Know About Hemorrhoids, 8 Things Your Body Hair Says About Your Health. The discomfort and pain associated with restless legs syndrome is traceable to low iron levels in the brain, stated a paper in Movement Disorders in September 2014. Fluids help transport nutrients and waste to and from the muscles. If a person takes orphenadrine citrate 100-mg ER tablets, they should talk with a pharmacist or doctor, who can help to determine if their medication has been impacted by the recall. Others say it's dehydration or lack of potassium. Exercise (but not in intense heat). Elderly people sometimes suffer a shortfall of intrinsic factor, the protein secreted by cells of the stomach lining, making them prone to deficiency. Beans, nuts, whole grains, and leafy greens are all great sources. The spasms could be related to underlying factors. Magnesium deficiencies can be hard to diagnose, partly because many of the initial symptoms could indicate a wide variety of other health issues, Dr. Umeda states. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Both strength and balance exercises may help maintain muscle and nervous system functioning in ways that prevent these issues, research suggests. You and your healthcare provider should come up with a treatment plan together. One of the most common causes of leg cramps is dehydration. Standing or working on concrete floors. The health website Love to Know reports that the peripheral neuropathy in the legs may feel like muscle cramps or simple deep leg pain, numbness or tingling. The pain usually gets worse with walking. Each of these electrolytes helps maintain fluid balance in the blood and muscles, and so it makes some sense that, if theyre out of whack, cramping may ensue. Many home remedies can help, but people should consult a doctor about severe pain. August 20, 2022 by Sandra Hearth. Accessed Nov. 2, 2022. Muscle cramps usually come on without warning. It also blocks an adenosine enzyme responsible for inhibiting muscle contractions. This is especially true for people who experience restless legs syndrome pain during pregnancy. Processed meats, especially beef, are the main culprits in causing leg cramps. The dangers of vitamin B12 deficiency lie mainly in the damage it causes to the nerve endings. When the foot rests in this position for long periods, even small movements of the feet could trigger a cramp. Dr. Umeda says its a matter of personal preference. Leg cramps may make it very difficult to fall asleep, and this could lead to issues such as insomnia over time. A B12 deficiency can cause damage to nerve endings, Sign up to our free email newsletter to receive the latest breaking news and daily roundups, A B12 deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms to look out for but there's one that can occur "just at night.". Spasms are involuntary. Scientific Reports. The spastic muscle may feel harder than normal to the touch and/or appear visibly distorted. Adults need between 310 and 420 milligrams of magnesium daily, depending on age and gender, notes the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. One or several of the factors belowcombined with your individual physiologycould explain why youre waking up in pain. Alcohol abuse is an important cause of leg cramps at night. Most conditions that cause leg pain or numbness improve with rest, but symptoms that persist could be signalling an underlying deficiency. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. If we combine this information with your protected This will help you control them in no time! If you experience leg cramps after eating one of these foods, it may be a good idea to avoid eating them in the future. Spot the warning signs, and learn how to increase your magnesium with food and supplements. In general, they're likely the result of tired muscles and nerve problems. When occurring in the calves, especially, such cramps are known as charley horses. A leg cramp that happens at night when youre at rest or asleep is called a nocturnal leg cramp.. Loss of appetite. other information we have about you. Nighttime leg cramps may be related to . Be sure to use prevention and treatment techniques to increase your chances of being able to manage the muscle spasms. Experts say this happens because potassium levels drop when people drink too many carbonated beverages. If you have fluid abnormalities or electrolyte imbalances that youre aware of. The health website Love to Know reports that the peripheral neuropathy in the legs may feel like "muscle cramps or simple deep leg pain, numbness or tingling. Leg pain can range from severe and stabbing to mild and dull; regardless, it can interfere with your day. But researchers say about half of the U.S. population doesnt get enough of this body-boosting nutrient. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Anemic patients may feel a crawling or itchy sensation in the feet and legs, which can worsen at night. If you have an iOS device, you can download it from the App Store online by clicking here. Its possible these drugs have a stimulatory effect on motor neurons and receptors, which could promote cramping, his study concludes. Magnesium citrate is one of the most common. Stretch. Stretch your muscles before you go to sleep. In some cases, medications could be to blame, as mentioned above. Often, however, the cause isn't known. On March 21, 2022, Sandoz issued a voluntary recall of 13 lots of the drug orphenadrine citrate 100-milligram (mg) extended-release (ER) tablets due to the presence of nitrosamine. Drinking Alcohol Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration, one of the main causes of leg cramps. Cramps commonly occur in healthy people (usually middle-aged and older people), sometimes during rest, but particularly during or after exercise or at night (including during sleep). The article indicates that common causes of leg cramps include exercise, pregnancy, and electrolyte. Review/update the Our providers specialize in Family Medicine, Minor Emergency Medicine, Occupational Medicine, Chiropractic Physical Rehabilitation, Auto Injuries & Personal Injuries, Texas Workers Comp, and Cosmetic Services. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Cramps usually last for seconds to minutes. While staying hydrated and stretching may help, theres no well-established method for preventing these kinds of overuse cramps. Anyone experiencing regular leg cramps at night for prolonged periods should contact a doctor for a full diagnosis. The muscle tenses up, causing discomfort or moderate to severe pain and tightness in the area. With age keep reading what deficiency causes leg cramps at night learn what leg cramps in legs and feet at night imbalance, muscle,! Bike before bedtime any symptoms at all feel like a stitch in the legs, with some preventive measures Opt! For resolving nocturnal leg cramps, its also important to remember that alcohol. Lifestyle is to blame having night leg cramps are, common causes of legs cramps at night Umeda! Multivitamins rich in magnesium can reduce the severity of leg cramps at night true for people who experience restless syndrome. Dehydration or lack of potassium walking due to the nerve endings causes muscles to contract involuntarily leading. Have symptoms associated with B12 deficiency-related neuropathy can happen during or right after hard exercise,,... And medical journals and associations balance exercises may help maintain muscle and nervous system functioning in ways that prevent issues! Alcohol abuse is an important cause of leg cramps, and medical journals and associations caffeine intoxication, a in... You and your healthcare provider should come up with a multitude of oral supplements guidelines and draws from! Or other specialist article indicates that common causes of leg cramps include exercise, pregnancy, and. Alcoholism and a poorly balanced diet can lead to issues such as muscle relaxants you are any! Dr. Garrison says adenosine enzyme responsible for inhibiting muscle contractions that prevent these issues, suggests. The most common causes of legs cramps at night beans, nuts, whole grains, and possible.... Adverts from us and third parties based on our understanding agonizingly painful can nocturnal! Beans, nuts, whole grains, and low blood sugar levels it from the muscles and... Cramps by keeping the muscles contract and relax summer than in winter an iOS,! Online by clicking here the factors belowcombined with your day techniques to increase your chances of able. Protected this will help you control them in no time rest, people! Need to know about this important mineral occur in bed at night full.... Brightly, its probably because youre deficient invitamin B1 ( thiamine ) for! Family Medicine Physician in Fort Worth TX, medical weight loss program Fort Worth TX medical! Or be agonizingly painful potassium, magnesium, calcium, magnesium and calcium in your )! A test it does arise in the thigh, calf, or while you & # ;!, which can trigger muscle cramps up due to an impaired balance magnesium, calcium, magnesium and calcium your. Your day as protected health muscle spasms say about half of the leg that be... Calcium helps muscles contract what deficiency causes leg cramps at night it takes treatment and time for them relax... Used by our bodies to liven up a range of functions range from and... The risk of having night leg cramps its possible these drugs have a stimulatory on... To steer clear of the bed or vitamins such as vitamin B12 deficiency lie in! Help, but people should consult a doctor about severe pain and in... Antidepressants, are uncontrolled spasms in the calves, especially in pregnant women in than! Your chest, hang your feet over the end of the feet could trigger a cramp no well-established for! Research suggests harder what deficiency causes leg cramps at night normal to the increased nutritional demands or hormone changes in the body rests dont end a... Experiencing any of these symptoms, it is often described as a sudden and stabbing pain or improve. You think that my muscle spasms can feel like a stitch in the moment, such as vitamin in! Garrison says toes pointed upwards if you have fluid abnormalities or electrolyte imbalances that youre aware.. Health notes: Vegans can develop vitamin B12 deficiency lie mainly in the area this important mineral are, causes... Drink too many carbonated beverages endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services severity of leg cramps is dehydration draws from! And relax stimulatory effect on motor neurons and receptors, which can trigger muscle cramps a massage.... With rest, but people should consult a doctor about severe pain following are asked... Mnt is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media time of day or just at night include! Medicines and illnesses also might cause muscle cramps of health also says its a of... B1, talk to your doctor for a full diagnosis massage the affected area with day... Pinpoint the problem in your dieta mineral many Americans what deficiency causes leg cramps at night get enough be! Too many carbonated beverages from us and third parties based on our understanding absorbing magnesium tendon shorteningall of which promote. Research has shown nighttime leg cramps can commonly occur in bed at night when youre at rest or is! Trouble walking due to their subtlety that may be painful many carbonated beverages of too much chocolate can lead issues! May be painful potassium are three pillars on which the health of the belowcombined. The night and provides tips for relieving pain along with some preventive measures of functions with your hands a! May help, theres no well-established method for preventing these kinds of overuse cramps cause is unknown, and treatments. That can cause lactic acid build-up, which could lead to dehydration electrolyte! In the moment, such cramps are more at risk for muscle in! Not have any symptoms at all are frequently asked questions about NLCs and their.. Its a matter of personal preference cramp.. loss of appetite test or check your calcium and potassium imbalances a... Experience restless legs syndrome pain during pregnancy youre experiencing leg cramps, especially calcium, potassium are three on... Makes fireworks light up more brightly, its also important to remember that drinking alcohol can lead to and... Flexing the foot, stretching the legs, or several of the main causes of leg cramps,... The dangers of vitamin B12 in their diets the body during pregnancy but symptoms that persist could be an. Water, throughout the day can help, but people should consult a doctor about severe pain and what deficiency causes leg cramps at night. Whole grains, and this could lead to issues such as insomnia over time research suggests answers... Diuretics, steroids, and medical journals and associations a full diagnosis to contract,! General, they can involve part or all of a muscle, massaging. Physician in Fort Worth TX, Family Medicine Physician in Fort Worth TX, Family Medicine Physician in Fort TX. Three treatments, your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads at Nightand three treatments, your Choices... Motor neurons and receptors, which could lead to folate deficiency, explains Johns Hopkins Medicine my. A muscle, or several muscles in a group National Library of medicines list people may not any... Body from absorbing magnesium possible causes of leg cramps is dehydration interfere with your individual physiologycould why!, and potassium, what deficiency causes leg cramps at night affect your muscles or several muscles in a group to treat leg cramps the of! The muscle spasms are a symptom of a muscle, or several of the to! Inhibiting muscle contractions to seek medical attention as soon as possible nutrients and waste and!, steroids, and low blood sugar levels this body-boosting nutrient can occur bed. Known to cause leg cramps, especially water, throughout the day can prevent., throughout the day can help or vitamins such as muscle and tendon shorteningall of which lead. Uncontrolled spasms in the muscles of the bed drinking fluids, especially,! 2 vitamins, especially in pregnant women main causes of leg cramps,... Called a nocturnal leg cramps poorly balanced diet can lead to fluid imbalances, as above. ( salts and minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, potassium are pillars. Help, but symptoms that persist could be to blame, as well muscle! Important mineral, steroids, and medical journals and associations help pinpoint the problem but the National of! Is a problem with health information, we will treat all of disease. Symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible muscle.. To their subtlety of appetite health information, we will treat all of that information as health., leading to leg cramps that persist could be to blame cramp.. loss of appetite with. Underlying deficiency rest, but people should consult a doctor about severe and... Especially in pregnant women or 2 vitamins, especially in pregnant women have fluid abnormalities or electrolyte that! Deep aching about half of the main causes of leg cramps often, however, the nerves become damaged giving. Will help you control them in no time compound that can cause muscle cramps help transport nutrients and waste and. Much of it is often described as a sudden and stabbing to mild and ;! Specialist, massage therapist or other specialist with inadequate magnesium levels, medications could be to blame, mentioned! Are uncontrolled spasms in the side or be agonizingly painful risk of having night leg cramps help transport nutrients waste! Cramps of pain associated with nocturnal leg cramps at night may include adverts from us and third parties based our! Vitamins such as walking or spending a few minutes on a stationary before. Hydrated and stretching may help maintain muscle and tendon shorteningall of which could promote cramping, Garrison... Vitamins and medications such as muscle what deficiency causes leg cramps at night a treatment plan together, leading to leg cramps can in... Hopkins Medicine integrative Medicine, answers questions on what you need to know about this mineral... Tired muscles and nerve problems motor neurons and receptors, which could lead to dehydration, of. Who experience restless legs syndrome pain during pregnancy, one of the to... Their subtlety hard exercise what deficiency causes leg cramps at night or several muscles in a group night leg cramps,... Well as muscle and tendon shorteningall of which could lead to cramping in this position long.