 |
|
|
|
 Leg cramps usually involve sudden, intense pain, unlike RLS, which is usually a steady, uncomfortable feeling that lasts for hours.
August 2nd, 2011
12:19 PM ET
Get Some Sleep: Avoid frequent leg crampingLisa Shives, M.D., is the founder of Northshore Sleep Medicine in Evanston, Illinois. She blogs regularly on The Chart. Read more from her at Dr. Lisa Shives’ Sleep Better Blog.
One such ailment, leg cramps, is very common and yet poorly understood. It often plagues people at night, and therefore “sleep-related leg cramps” is recognized as a bona fide sleep disorder by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders. Most people have had a “charley horse” and know that leg cramps can be quite painful. Leg cramps result from the sudden, intense and involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscle group. They usually occur in the calf muscle or the small muscles of the feet. The painful sensation is usually relieved by strenuous stretching of the affected muscle. Often, people jump out of bed in their attempt to stop the searing pain. Both the prevalence and frequency increase as people age. There is research showing that approximately one-third of all people over the age of 60 and one-half of those over the age of 80 reported having sleep-related leg cramps once in the previous two months. Six percent of adults over the age of 60 have reported having leg cramps that disturb them every night. Leg cramps are sometimes confused with restless legs syndrome (now known as Willis-Ekbom disease), but the two disorders are quite different, although patients can have both problems. RLS is not commonly described as a sudden, intense pain. Also, people who suffer from RLS usually have a steady, uncomfortable feeling in the legs that lasts for hours, and this maddening feeling is only temporarily relieved for a few minutes while they move or rub their legs. There are some medical conditions that seem to predispose people to leg cramps such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and neuromuscular disorders. Medications such as oral contraceptives have been associated with leg cramps. They occur in approximately 40% of pregnant women and usually resolve after birth. If leg cramping is frequent and intense, people should not assume that they have benign, idiopathic (of unknown cause) leg cramps. It is advised to consult a physician in order to differentiate leg cramps from more serious medical conditions such as akathisia, myelopathy, peripheral neuropathy and disorders of calcium imbalance. There are numerous theories about the cause of leg cramps but little evidence supporting the veracity of any given theory. One common notion is that they result from dehydration, but the little research done does not support this. Also common is the idea that there is a relative electrolyte imbalance. Magnesium and potassium are popular culprits. Again, there is little research on this. One study attempted to treat leg cramps in a group of pregnant women and found that magnesium was no better than a placebo. The same is true for potassium deficiency; there is no research showing that low potassium causes leg cramps or that taking extra potassium prevents them. That said, I have patients who swear that a banana before bed takes care of the leg cramping problem. I also know people who report that sitting in a bath of Epsom salts right before bed helps ward off nocturnal leg cramps. I have patients who think that the leg cramps come upon them only when they exercise strenuously, and then there are those who associate the cramps with lack of exercise. The best theory is the “squatting hypothesis,” which speculates that leg cramping is associated with the modern habit of sitting on chairs and on the toilet instead of squatting as our forebears would have done. I believe that is just another way of saying that leg cramps could be caused by a lack of strengthening and stretching of the calf and feet muscles. Follow @CNNHealth on Twitter The information contained on this page does not and is not intended to convey medical advice. CNN is not responsible for any actions or inaction on your part based on the information that is presented here. Please consult a physician or medical professional for personal medical advice or treatment. soundoff (1,613 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Next »Leave a Reply to Repair Dash Ac Vents Sprinter
Next entry »Tri Challenge: The time has finally come
« Previous entryIndoor mold poses key asthma risk for babies
|
  About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
 |
|
|
|
It is frustrating, to both patients and doctors, that modern medical science often lacks understanding of or treatment for common, everyday ailments.
I blog frequently and I truly appreciate your content. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I will bookmark your blog and keep checking for new details about once per week. I subscribed to your Feed too.
http://www.webclap.com/php/jump.php?sa=t&url=https://internetmarketingsupply.com
I seriously love your blog.. Excellent colors & theme. Did you make this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m wanting to create my very own site and would love to find out where you got this from or what the theme is called. Many thanks!
http://howard.edu/asp/linkcounter/resourcesondemand.asp?url=http://postfallswebsites.com
http://www.demo.cloudhostedresources.com/?id=7cde069d28fee9161e9475b01c2cf8cf&fullscreen=1&task=get&url=http://www.reviewnearme.com
Good post! We are linking to this great post on our website. Keep up the good writing.
https://www.chaosns.com/link.php?url=https://curtismelancon.com
https://trackings.oxfamintermon.org/click.php?campanya=SYD1612_S0310_03126_0001&data_enviament=20161207&desti=https://ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-cypress-california
http://webservices-secure.ericsoft.com/CRM/UpdateCommunication/HandleClick?p=2I05G0WL8N0HUZLCDPLA9OEWCMQGXT3S4PL40OB8MNVGSDS87N&r=ocrvcenter.com/ambulance-repair-near-me
https://smart.link/5bb77c1a83bd0?site_id=Web_NBA_Kings&creative_id=RSNBayCA1545&cp_4=ocrv.org/rv-repair-shop-pacoima-california
Excellent post. I'm facing a few of these issues as well..
https://www.igive.com/isearch/NonStoreExit.cfm?type=1&isid=0df7d37f-4feb-4f0f-b472-1df60f43914d&rurl=http://ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-vista-california/
http://texasbedandbreakfast-com.securec55.ezhostingserver.com/hit.cfm?InnID=1&website=http://commercialrepairshop.com/camper-van-conversion-shop-near-me
priligy for sale uk dapoxetine pills for sale
This website was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something that helped me. Appreciate it!
http://www.ric.edu/Pages/link_out.aspx?target=http://fleetservicesocrv.com/delivery-van-repair-shop-near-me
What's Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this
I have found It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads.
I am hoping to contribute & aid other users like its helped me.
Good job.
Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic however , I'd figured I'd ask.
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing
a blog article or vice-versa? My blog discusses a lot of the same topics
as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit
from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free to send me an email.
I look forward to hearing from you! Great blog by the way!
http://mambasana.ru/redir/?ocrvcenter.info/rv-repair-shop-santa-clarita-california
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will come back yet again since I saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
http://l-www.sitepal.com/affiliates/entry/?spdirect=1&affId=75895&promotionId=17691&link=https://ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-whittier-california
https://pakopako.misty.ne.jp/old/out.cgi?id=palette&url=http://ocrvcenter.mobi/rv-kitchen-repair-near-me
I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both equally educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something too few people are speaking intelligently about. Now i'm very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something regarding this.
https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/lalaport/ebina/redirect.html?url=https://ocrv.rocks/rv-toilet-repair-near-me
I could not resist commenting. Well written!
https://surveys.montclair.edu/survey/preview.jsp?surveyid=1326825217719&url=http://ocrv.vip/rv-repair-shop-manhattan-beach-california
http://www.digitalstage.jp/go/r/r.cgi?t=http://fleetvehiclerepairshop.com/delivery-van-repair-shop-near-me
Howdy, I do believe your site may be having web browser compatibility problems. Whenever I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE, it's got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, wonderful site!
http://services.nfpa.org/Authentication/GetSSOSession.aspx?return=http://ocrv.rocks/rv-furniture-near-me
http://www.beliebtestewebseite.de/hpdetails.php?webseite=ocrvcenter.com/crane-truck-collision-repair-shop-near-me/
http://ossokolje.edu.ba/gbook/go.php?url=https://ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-bell-canyon-california
การที่จะใช้สเต็ปนี้นั้น เราจำต้องดูห้องหน้าล็อบบี้ก่อนว่า ณ ห้องนั้นๆมีเค้าไพ่ลักษณะแบบใด รวมทั้งมีเค้าไพ่ที่มีลักษณะแบบคู่หรือเปล่า และก็จะใช้ได้ตอนไหนที่เค้าไพ่สเต็ปนี้เริ่มปรากฏตัวออกมา เราจะมายกตัวอย่างกันว่าควรจะใช้เคล็ดวิธีนี้อย่างไร สเต็ป3-3 ขั้นตอนแรกเลยเป็นพินิจที่เค้าไพ่ล่าสุดว่ามีเค้าไพ่ที่ออกมาเรียงกัน3ไม้หรือเปล่า ถ้าเกิดออกมาในลักษณะนี้
จัดเตรียมวางเครดิตตัดสวนได้เลย ดังเช่นว่า สีแดงออกมาแล้ว3ไม้
ไม้ที่4-6ตัดสวนด้วยอีกฝั่งได้เลย ซึ่งมันก็คือ สีน้ำเงิน
https://sso.esolutionsgroup.ca/default.aspx?SSO_redirect=http://fleetautorepairshop.com/mercedes-cargo-van-repair-shop-near-me
http://lists.websolutions.com/redirector.asp?e=3304943442344678&URL=http://ocrvluxurycoaches.com/rv-collision-repair-shop-near-me
I was curious if you ever considered changing the structure of your website?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could
connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having
one or 2 images. Maybe you could space it out better?
https://go.20script.ir/index.php?url=https://ocrvluxurycoaches.com/rv-repair-shop-encinitas-california
When I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. Is there a way you can remove me from that service? Many thanks!
http://www.iaccmeetings.com/Redirect.aspx?destination=https://www.ocrvcenter.com/delivery-bus-collision-repair-shop-near-me/
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a co-worker who had been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact bought me dinner simply because I stumbled upon it for him... lol. So allow me to reword this.... Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this subject here on your website.
http://sc.sie.gov.hk/TuniS/www.ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-malibu-california/
http://www.guru-pon.jp/search/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=107&url=https://ocrvcenter.com/motorhome-fabrication-repair-near-me
I quite like reading through an article that will make people think. Also, many thanks for allowing for me to comment!
https://www.podcastone.com/site/rd?satype=40&said=4&aaid=email&camid=-4999600036534929178&url=https://ocrvandtrucks.com/rv-repair-shop-shadow-hills-california
An impressive share! I've just forwarded this onto a colleague who has been conducting a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me dinner due to the fact that I found it for him... lol. So allow me to reword this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this issue here on your site.
http://www.iaccmeetings.com/Redirect.aspx?destination=https://ocrvcenter.com/fleet-truck-repair-near-me/
http://www.beersmith.com/forum/index.php?thememode=mobile&redirect=https://guenterreiter.eu/index.php?option=com_phocaguestbook&view=phocaguestbook&id=1&Itemid=4&limitstart=57440
http://glorioustronics.com/redirect.php?link=http://ocrvcenter.com/utility-van-collision-repair-shop-near-me/
Good day! This post couldn't be written any better! Reading
through this post reminds me of my good old room mate!
He always kept talking about this. I will forward this
write-up to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read.
Thank you for sharing!
Aw, this was a really good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to generate a great article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don't manage to get anything done.
http://fanslations.azurewebsites.net/release/out/takami-no-kago-chapter-39/11534/?url=http://ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-eastvale-california/
https://www.infinitysouthcarolina.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=https://affordableranking.com
https://nsuem.ru/bitrix/redirect.php?event1=lib5&event2=&event3=&goto=https://mentol.info/remodel-kitchen-near-me.html
https://www.qingms.com/link.php?url=https://crazy4smiths.com/lays-stax-coupon-0-99-smiths-deal/
https://www.laosubenben.com/home/link.php?url=https://www.ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-warner-center-california
A person necessarily assist to make significantly
posts I'd state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and to this
point? I surprised with the research you made to create
this actual post amazing. Great activity!
wymiana baterii huawei p9 lite Cena
huawei p9 lite bateria (Multilotto.mobi)
huawei p9 lite bateria
http://www.goatzz.com/adredirect.aspx?adType=SiteAd&ItemID=9595&ReturnURL=http://www.affordableranking.com
https://www.tanken.ne.jp/cate/fhhanpu/rl_out.cgi?id=ox8448&url=https://ocrvcenter.com/rv-leak-repair-near-me
Wonderful post! We will be linking to this particularly great content on our site. Keep up the good writing.
http://www.hammer.x0.to/cgi/search/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=6289&url=https://thenews7.in/?p=246
An outstanding share! I've just forwarded this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast simply because I discovered it for him... lol. So let me reword this.... Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to discuss this subject here on your web page.
https://kultur-bad-vilbel.de/goto/?u=http://affordableranking.com
This is a topic which is near to my heart... Many thanks! Exactly where are your contact details though?
http://longlight.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
I could not refrain from commenting. Well written!
http://park3.wakwak.com/~yadoryuo/cgi-bin/click3/click3.cgi?cnt=chalet-main&url=http://ocrvart.com/rv-repair-shop-studio-city-california
I truly love your blog.. Great colors & theme. Did you build this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m wanting to create my very own website and would love to know where you got this from or what the theme is called. Thank you!
http://www.deri-ou.com/url.php?url=http://mangiobio.eu/cropped-1375751-jpg/
My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from
PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
But he's tryiong none the less. I've been using Movable-type on numerous websites for
about a year and am nervous about switching to another platform.
I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.net. Is
there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content
into it? Any help would be really appreciated!
Heya are using WordPress for your site platform? I'm new to
the blog world but I'm trying to get started and set up
my own. Do you need any html coding knowledge to make your
own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!