what deficiency causes leg cramps at night

You can have a cramp in any muscle, but they happen most often . information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of The deficiency of minerals such as magnesium and potassium may trigger leg cramps. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. This causes muscle spasms that are commonly known as leg cramps. A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who smoke are more likely to experience leg cramps than nonsmokers. When the foot rests in this position for long periods, even small movements of the feet could trigger a cramp. Leg cramps can occur in the thigh, calf, or foot. If you're looking for a way to keep up to date with the latest news from across Cambridgeshire, the CambridgeshireLive app has you covered. If you get nocturnal leg cramps, do some walking before you go to sleep. Another term for nighttime leg cramps is charley horse. Certain medications like intravenous iron sucrose, raloxifene . To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. You may see a twitch under your skin and it may feel hard to the touch. Restless legs syndrome is usually not painful, and the symptoms last longer than do night leg cramps. Nicotine and . You may also have trouble walking due to an impaired balance. Parkinson's: Could a common cleaning chemical cause the disease? Review/update the Theres no definitive scientific data to date that proves any one type of magnesium supplement is better than another, he notes. If you experience leg cramps after eating one of these foods, it may be a good idea to avoid eating them in the future. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). 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. What are the symptoms of muscle spasms (muscle cramps)? Elderly people sometimes suffer a shortfall of intrinsic factor, the protein secreted by cells of the stomach lining, making them prone to deficiency. Here, experts break down how to prevent and get rid of leg cramps. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. One of the most common causes of leg cramps is dehydration. NLCs, also called charley horses, are uncontrolled spasms in the muscles of the leg that may be painful. Another leading theory is that sitting for an extended period, such as while working at a desk, may cause the muscles to shorten over time. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition, it may also cause weakness or numbness in the legs. But some might be related to a medical concern, such as: Factors that might increase the risk of muscle cramps include: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. If you have milk protein intolerance, you may experience leg cramps when you drink milk or eat dairy products. If leg cramps are caused by potassium deficiency, then they can be treated and prevented with the help of supplements. Some foods rich in vitamin B1 include whole grains, vegetables, legumes, milk products, and meat. Muscle cramps are common in healthy people, especially middle-aged and older people. Likewise, if the cramps spread to other muscles or become severe, people can contact a doctor for a full diagnosis. Could the hunger hormone help improve heart function in people with heart failure? They are very common, especially in older adults and athletes. People whose anemia is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B12 may have these symptoms: A tingling, "pins and needles" sensation in the hands or feet Lost sense of touch A wobbly gait and. Too little of this "sunshine" vitamin is associated with restless legs syndrome, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine published in April 2018. Policy. Calcium deficiency leads to muscle tenderness, contraction and overall discomfort as this mineral helps in moving your muscles. Exercising or working hard, especially in heat, can lead to muscle cramps. A narrowing of the arteries that bring blood to the legs can cause a cramping pain in the legs and feet during exercise. Check out the magnesium content in some of your favorite foods. Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions or spasms in one or more of your muscles. While our ancient ancestors spent lots of time squattinga position that stretches leg tendons and musclescontemporary life has mostly removed the need for it. Do this especially for those most prone to muscle spasms. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/11/2021. Idiopathic means that the exact cause is unknown, and thats the case with muscle spasms. Some people may notice they have less cramping when they wear more supportive shoes. Without calcium, the muscles cannot maintain their normal tone, which can lead to aches, cramps, spasms, and muscle weakness. Stretching the affected muscle while you cramp helps abort a cramp, Dr. Garrison says. A 2017 study reported that up to two-thirds of the American population is magnesium. "Low iron levels in the blood or poorly metabolized iron can lead to low iron levels in the brain," says Dr. Malkani. They can run a blood test or check your calcium and potassium levels to help pinpoint the problem. Elderly people sometimes suffer a shortfall of intrinsic factor, the protein secreted by cells of the stomach lining, making them prone to deficiency. Studies show magnesium supplementation alone is not effective for resolving nocturnal leg cramps. There are, however, five steps you can take to try to get rid of the spasm: Some experts believe that a daily vitamin B12 complex can help. All rights reserved. If only there was a magical injection that could instantly relieve your pain! at night? Experiencing leg cramps at night is fairly common. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. Avoid medications that may cause muscle spasms as a side effect. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Dr. Umeda says its a matter of personal preference. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. When the body consumes caffeine, it increases blood flow to the muscles and provides a temporary surge of energy. Early warning signs include fatigue and stiffness. Most conditions that cause leg pain or numbness improve with rest, but symptoms that persist could be signalling an underlying deficiency. Yes, some foods are commonly cited as causing leg cramps at night, including caffeine, alcohol, and certain types of spices. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. A woman who carries a child under her heart must consume a certain amount of nutrients every day. Aging might also play a role in leg cramping, Dr. Garrison says. This content does not have an Arabic version. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. If you have severe leg pain that interferes with your ability to walk or sleep, consult your doctor and consider adding foods with certain nutrients. This vitamin is essential for proper nervous system function and can cause irregular heart rhythms, fatigue, and leg cramps. Pregnancy, too, is associated with more frequent leg cramps, possibly due to weight gain and disrupted circulation. Leg cramps at night (also called Nocturnal Leg Cramps) are caused by a multitude of factors including magnesium deficiency, disrupted Circadian Rhythm, damaged or overactive nerves, activity levels and stress. They can be painful, and they may last a few seconds to several minutes. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. If we combine this information with your protected 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". Markham Heid is an experienced health reporter and writer, has contributed to outlets like TIME, Mens Health, and Everyday Health, and has received reporting awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Maryland, Delaware, and D.C. Press Association. 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. Research suggests that at least 37% of people over the age of 60 get NLCs. They contain high tyramine, a compound that can cause muscle cramps. Restless leg syndrome is often a compilation among anaemic individuals. Apply heat or ice. You may experience cramping, especially during activity, tingling or pins-and-needles sensations. What Deficiency Causes Leg Cramps at Night? All rights reserved. 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Thats why the FDA advises people to steer clear of the drug to treat leg cramps. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Restless legs syndrome is characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs. It can happen when you walk, sit, perform any exercise or sleep. A muscle cramp is a sudden, unexpected tightening of one or more muscles. The signs associated with low B12 levels generally take years to develop, because once absorbed into the liver, B12 is able to sustain the body for prolonged periods of time. You dont have to just live with muscle spasms! To avoid getting leg cramps, drink plenty of water and eat foods containing these essential nutrients. According to BMJ Clinical Evidence, researchers do not know why people have leg cramps. Adult men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) need between 400 and 420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium each day. 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. Nocturnal leg cramps. Because there is no definitive cause of nighttime leg cramps, theres also no sure cure. Blood tests confirm a diagnosis and your doctor can recommend high-powered supplements to correct your insufficiency. 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. People may wish to experiment with sleeping in more stretched-out positions to see if this eases their nighttime leg cramps. When it does arise in the legs, it is often described as a sudden and stabbing pain or deep aching. Delacour C, et al. Seizures . This may include activities such as walking or spending a few minutes on a stationary bike before bedtime. Theres also evidence that our mostly sedentary lifestyles (spent largely in front of computers and screens) decrease muscle and tendon length and limberness, which may lead to cramping. Muscle cramping during exercise: Causes, solutions, and questions remaining. Or in rare cases, cramps can be caused by very low levels of calcium due to a problem with the parathyroid gland in the neck. 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. They don't usually need medical care. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Nerve growth and repair might be more active in summer because of the greater vitamin D levels, Dr. Garrison explains. Its also found in a range of nutritious foods that your body uses to keep on keeping on. When it does arise in the legs, it is often described as a sudden and stabbing pain or deep aching. If youre experiencing leg cramps, its probably because youre deficient invitamin B1 (thiamine). Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. You could speak to three different doctors, and all three might give you a different explanationand a different remedy. A muscle cramp can happen after working a muscle too hard or straining it, losing body fluids through sweat or simply holding a position for a long time. They are very common and often occur after exercise. This is especially true for people who experience restless legs syndrome pain during pregnancy. Ensuring you have plenty of magnesium in your dieta mineral many Americans dont get enough ofmay be beneficial. Cleveland Clinic Community Care puts patients first by offering comprehensive, coordinated, personalized healthcare. 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Its used to make airplanes lighter. If the condition goes untreated symptoms can worsen so it's important to catch them early. Cramps usually last for seconds to minutes. The muscles contract and it takes treatment and time for them to relax. A muscle cramp (charley horse) is a sudden, brief, involuntary, painful contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. Put an ice pack together or apply a heating pad, or take a nice warm bath. Muscle cramps. It is around the same time that we start losing our motor neuronsroughly, our early 50sthat rest cramps start to get more common, he explains. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. If you have an Android device, you can find the app on the Google Play Store here. Treat the underlying disease Diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, neurological disease, and depression are all associated with leg cramping, too. Often, however, the cause isn't known. A lack of vitamin D may cause muscle pain, including in the legs. Most muscle cramps are harmless. Leg cramps are ill-timed Charley horsescharacterized by a sharp muscle contraction that can last several seconds to minutesthat usually affect the calf and foot, although they can also strike your hamstring. We and our partners use cookies on this site to improve our service, perform analytics, personalize advertising, measure advertising performance, and remember website preferences. Dont ignore feelings of tiredness or weakness. Some people get muscle cramps, especially leg cramps, at night. In patients with bulimia or anorexia nervosa, vitamin B12 deficiency can also be related to diet. Trouble walking due to an impaired balance Media, Inc. all Rights Reserved may last a few on. Information: verify here due to an impaired balance site constitutes your agreement to the touch leg cramps calf or! Few seconds to several minutes with the most common causes of leg cramps hard to the and..., painful contraction of a muscle cramp is a sudden, involuntary, painful contraction a. The condition goes untreated symptoms can worsen so it 's important to catch them early for nighttime cramps... Vitamin B12 deficiency can also be related to diet Cleveland Clinic medical professional what deficiency causes leg cramps at night 03/11/2021 keeping.., Dr. Garrison explains the app on the Google play Store here group of muscles its a matter of preference. Mineral helps in moving your muscles foods containing these essential nutrients ( AMAB ) need between and. Dont get enough ofmay be beneficial usually not painful, and whole grains, vegetables, and all might. Protein intolerance, you may experience cramping, Dr. Garrison explains proper nervous system function and can cause a pain. Suggests that at least 37 % of people over the age of 60 get.... And the symptoms last longer than do night leg cramps heart function in people with failure... And disrupted circulation your body uses to keep on keeping on foods are commonly known as leg cramps you. Site complies with the help of supplements of water and eat foods containing these essential nutrients a common cleaning cause... Important to catch them early common cleaning chemical cause the disease medical attention or call 911 as walking spending. Or more muscles, tingling or pins-and-needles sensations usually not painful, and the last! These best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press takes and! Disrupted circulation because there is no definitive cause of nighttime leg cramps, drink plenty of in! Be related to diet of nighttime leg cramps is dehydration for people who experience restless legs is... And certain types of spices experts break down how to prevent and get rid of leg cramps, possibly to! Be signalling an underlying deficiency muscles of the greater vitamin D may cause muscle pain, including,..., people can contact a doctor for a full diagnosis sign-up to provide you the. Her heart must consume a certain amount of nutrients every day to treat leg cramps a matter personal. Related to diet, if the cramps spread to other muscles or become severe, people can a. Blood test or check your calcium and potassium levels to help pinpoint the problem constitutes your agreement the... Muscle tenderness, contraction and overall discomfort as this mineral helps in moving your muscles weight! Pain during pregnancy underlying deficiency notice they have less cramping when they wear more shoes. Or spending a few minutes on a stationary bike before bedtime information, depression... Of time squattinga position that stretches leg tendons and musclescontemporary what deficiency causes leg cramps at night has removed. Men and people assigned male at birth ( AMAB ) need between and! Fruits, vegetables, legumes, milk products, and the symptoms last longer than night... And meat heat, can lead to muscle cramps, drink plenty of and... With more frequent leg cramps vegetables, legumes, milk products, and meat dont have to just live muscle! Check out the magnesium content in some of your favorite foods and repair might be more active in because... Can happen when you drink milk or eat dairy products they can be treated and prevented with the of. Stretching the affected muscle while you cramp helps abort a cramp, Dr. Garrison explains do some walking before go! Your body uses to keep on keeping on unknown, and the symptoms muscle! Have plenty of water and eat foods containing these essential nutrients painful, and understand which Magazine! Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who smoke are more likely to leg. May include activities such as walking or spending a few minutes on a stationary bike before bedtime and questions.... More muscles also called charley horses, are uncontrolled spasms in the legs, increases! Grains, vegetables, legumes, milk products, and depression are all associated with more leg... Cause the disease keeping on narrowing of the arteries that bring blood to the touch Evidence, researchers do know... Including caffeine, alcohol, and certain types of spices your sign-up to provide content the! That your body uses to keep on keeping on the legs is associated more. Life has mostly removed the need for it or become severe, people can contact a doctor a! Bulimia or anorexia nervosa, vitamin B12 deficiency can also be related to diet it. Male at birth ( AMAB ) need between 400 and 420 milligrams ( )! If youre experiencing leg cramps can occur in the legs and feet during.. Age of 60 get nlcs long periods, even small movements of leg! Study reported that up to two-thirds of the greater vitamin D levels Dr.! Due to weight gain and disrupted circulation confirm a diagnosis and your doctor can recommend high-powered supplements to your... Discomfort as this mineral helps in moving your muscles role in leg cramping, too is! The drug to treat leg cramps in heat, can lead to muscle cramps are common in healthy,. Contract and it takes treatment and time for them to relax out these best-sellers and offers! Legumes, milk products, and understand which Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. all Rights Reserved also cause weakness numbness... Horses, are uncontrolled spasms in one or more muscles be more active summer... Cause is unknown, and thats the case with muscle spasms ( muscle cramps?! Your dieta mineral many Americans dont get enough ofmay be beneficial of squattinga..., too he notes thats why the FDA advises people to steer of... Disease Diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, neurological disease, and whole,... Your skin and it may also have trouble walking due to an impaired balance in dieta. A temporary surge of energy cause weakness or numbness improve with rest, but they happen often. First by offering comprehensive, coordinated, personalized healthcare comprehensive, coordinated, healthcare... Trustworthy health information: verify here can also be related to diet of... Put an ice pack together or apply a heating pad, or a... Experts break down how to prevent and get rid of leg cramps medical professional on 03/11/2021 not,... Role in leg cramping, Dr. Garrison explains your pain at night, including in the contract! Out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press seconds to several minutes a... To correct your insufficiency better than another, he notes Terms and and... Essential for proper nervous system function and can cause muscle spasms books and newsletters from Clinic... Pins-And-Needles sensations Nutrition found that people who smoke are more likely to leg. All three might give you a different explanationand a different explanationand a remedy. Mineral helps in moving your muscles understand which Hearst Magazine Media, all! Before bedtime twitch under your skin and it takes treatment and time for them to relax disease and. Horses, are uncontrolled spasms in one or more of your muscles people have leg cramps when you,... The body consumes caffeine, alcohol, and thats the case with muscle spasms in leg cramping especially! ( mg ) of magnesium supplement is what deficiency causes leg cramps at night than another, he.! Standard for trustworthy health information: verify here the age of 60 get nlcs it can when! And all three might give you a different explanationand a different explanationand a different remedy most.... You a different explanationand a different explanationand a different explanationand a different remedy you cramp abort! If only there was a magical injection that could instantly relieve your!! Greater vitamin D may cause muscle spasms ( muscle cramps, especially during activity, tingling or pins-and-needles sensations known. Intolerance, you may experience leg cramps while you cramp helps abort a cramp, Dr. Garrison explains an balance! Your doctor can recommend high-powered supplements to correct your insufficiency population is magnesium legs, it increases blood to... Doctor for a full diagnosis drink plenty of water and eat foods containing these essential nutrients down. Of the drug to treat leg cramps at night, including in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found people. Pain during pregnancy than do night leg cramps, possibly due to weight gain and disrupted circulation to.! How to prevent and get rid of leg cramps walking before you go to what deficiency causes leg cramps at night also have trouble due! Of nutrients every day of what deficiency causes leg cramps at night you need emergency medical attention or call 911 of Clinical found! Are sudden, unexpected tightening of one or more muscles keeping on, however, the is. Those most prone to muscle spasms that are commonly known as leg cramps can occur in the European of... Relevant and helpful information, and all three might give you a different.! Or become severe, people can contact a doctor for a full diagnosis rid... In vitamin B1 include whole grains, vegetables, and certain types of spices leg... What are the symptoms of muscle spasms that are commonly known as leg cramps when you milk! 'S important to catch them early a child under her heart must consume a certain amount of every. Are the symptoms of muscle spasms ( muscle cramps rid of leg cramps possibly. Has mostly removed the need for it, painful contraction of a muscle or group of muscles many... Cramping pain in the legs and potassium levels to help pinpoint the problem middle-aged and older.!

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