Charley Horse
Why your calf cramps at night and how to prevent it
A calf cramp is when the calf muscle suddenly tightens and spasms, causing intense pain.
It often happens during sleep at night, waking you up with sharp pain.
Muscle fatigue, shifts in mineral and fluid balance, and sleeping posture are all thought to play a part, but the exact mechanism is still not fully understood.
Long hours of standing or exercise leave the calf muscles tired
Low magnesium or potassium and dehydration have been suggested as contributors, but no clear link with night-time cramps has been proven
During sleep the toes tend to point downward, keeping the calf in a shortened position, and this is thought to act as a trigger
These factors combine and the calf muscle contracts unexpectedly
By making hydration, mineral intake, and bedtime stretching a routine, you can expect the frequency of cramps to go down. If cramps happen often, there may be an underlying condition, so consult a doctor.
Frequent cramps may be a sign of another condition.
If cramps happen several times a week, conditions such as diabetes, lumbar spinal stenosis, thyroid disorders, or peripheral vascular disease may be the cause. Also, the licorice (kanzo) in Shakuyaku-kanzo-to can cause pseudoaldosteronism (low potassium, raised blood pressure, swelling, and heaviness or weakness in the arms and legs). It becomes more likely with long-term use, but it can also occur with small doses taken for a short period, so use only the minimum needed and tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice swelling, rising blood pressure, or weakness.