 |
|
|
|
 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 Sprinter Armrest Repair
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.
https://www.drmshk.com/link.php?url=https://ocrvcenter.com/refrigerator-truck-collision-repair-shop-near-me
http://www.click.dsp.com/c?type=2&db=mediav&pub=120013_527433_1050746&cus=172_663_12717020_63096188_63096188000&url=http://www.ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-cerritos-california
This site certainly has all the information I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
https://easyacc.com/media-center/api/linkstat.php?redirect=https://www.affordableranking.com/
Good information. Lucky me I discovered your website by accident (stumbleupon). I've saved as a favorite for later!
http://www.maritimes.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
I was pretty pleased to discover this web site. I want to to thank you for your time for this fantastic read!! I definitely appreciated every little bit of it and i also have you saved as a favorite to see new things on your website.
https://www.meetme.com/apps/redirect/?url=https://ocrvcenter.biz/rv-repair-shop-hesperia-california
all the time i used to read smaller posts that as well clear their motive, and that
is also happening with this article which I am reading
here.
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesn't disappoint me just as much as this one. After all, I know it was my choice to read, however I actually believed you would have something interesting to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you can fix if you weren't too busy seeking attention.
http://kite-rider.com/0link/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=178&url=ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-porter-ranch-california
http://aff-tracking.dkt.com.vn/click/33966?url=http://theocrv.com/rv-repair-shop-montclair-california
Hey very cool site!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful ..
I will bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally?
I'm glad to search out numerous useful information right here in the submit,
we need develop extra strategies in this regard, thanks
for sharing. . . . . .
cyclomune buy cyclosporine online
Everything is very open with a really clear clarification of the issues. It was truly informative. Your site is very useful. Thanks for sharing!
https://lnk.bio/go?d=http://ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-adelanto-california-2//
/
I just could not go away your site prior to suggesting that I
extremely loved the standard info a person provide in your guests?
Is going to be again incessantly to check up on new posts
http://space.sosot.net/link.php?url=ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-los-angeles-california/
https://www.best-gyousei.com/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=1649&url=https://ocrvcenter.com/rv-upholstery-near-me
cialis tadalafil tadalafil price walmart tadalafil blood pressure tadalafil side effects https://tadalafilww.com/
Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice while
you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a
blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea
Great post! We are linking to this particularly great content on our website. Keep up the great writing.
http://texasbedandbreakfast-com.securec55.ezhostingserver.com/hit.cfm?InnID=1&website=https://ocrvcenter.com/tour-bus-collision-repair-shop-near-me
First off I would like to say superb blog! I had a quick
question which I'd like to ask if you don't mind.
I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before writing.
I have had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts
out. I truly do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted simply
just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints?
Appreciate it!
my website – Lamborghini Rental Las Vegas
tadalafil blood pressure https://cttadalafil.com/ – cheap cialis pills for sale cost of cialis cialis tadalafil side effects of tadalafil
https://img.2chan.net/bin/jump.php?http://uccadia.com/cameroun-affaire-mrc-la-cour-dappel-lache-maurice-kamto/
If some one wishes to be updated with latest technologies then he must be visit this site and be up to date all the time.
/
https://www.cropscience.bayer.ca/?setlanguage=en&returnUrl=https://ppcpostfalls.com/
When I originally left a comment I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a way you can remove me from that service? Thank you!
https://www.arida.biz/sougo/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=27&url=https://www.farr.brainlisting.com/page/20/
Aw, this was a really nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to make a top notch article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don't seem to get anything done.
/
I love looking through a post that can make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!
http://cornerofberkshireandfairfax.ca/forum/index.php?thememode=full;redirect=https://clintbakerphotography.com/product/thistle-cove-esperance/
This is the right site for anybody who would like to understand this topic. You know a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject that's been discussed for decades. Excellent stuff, just wonderful!
http://redirect.vebeet.com/index.php?url=http://forkliftswildwestlifttrucks.com/jungheinrich-forklift-repair-orange-county-california
http://www.ric.edu/Pages/link_out.aspx?target=http://www.forkliftswildwestlifttrucks.com/drexel-forklift-repair-orange-county-california
https://passport.osp.ru/sso/index.php?logout=1&url=http://forkliftswildwestlifttrucks.com/indio-forklifts
Wonderful article! We are linking to this great content on our website. Keep up the good writing.
http://clevacances032.clevacances.com/stat.php?langue=fr&id_location=HLOMIP032MS00786&agrement=32MS00786&type_location=meuble&id_departement=032&acces_site=1&url=http://forkliftswildwestlifttrucks.com/jurupa-valley-forklifts
http://best-gyousei.com/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=1649&url=https://curtismelancon.com
https://press.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/Mailing_Redirect.aspx?mailingid=37014&email=tomwebb@me.com&checkid=3ce553ad-a4c8-4cff-8157-9d296087b89f&redirect=https://forkliftswildwestlifttrucks.com/laguna-niguel-forklifts/
I could not refrain from commenting. Very well written!
http://www.vacationrentals411.com/websitelink.php?webaddress=http://affordableranking.com
I was able to find good information from your content.
https://www.venuesseoul.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=https://www.affordableranking.com/
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thanks, However I am going through troubles with your RSS. I don’t know why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody having identical RSS issues? Anyone who knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanx!!
http://graeagle.com/Redirect.aspx?destination=https://affordableranking.com
It’s hard to find experienced people about this subject, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
https://go.20script.ir/index.php?url=https://forkliftswildwestlifttrucks.com/san-bernardino-forklifts/
hydroxychloroquine sulfate uses https://chloroquinexrp.com/ hydroxychlor tab 200mg
https://www.hammer.if.tv/cgi/search/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=2613&url=https://affordableranking.com
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something that too few people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I found this during my search for something relating to this.
https://acordatherapeuticsinc.biz/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://ww6.oilpaintingshere.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Everything is very open with a precise explanation of the challenges. It was really informative. Your website is very useful. Thank you for sharing!
http://login.library.proxy.mbl.edu/login?qurl=http://affordableranking.com
Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this article together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
http://cineuropa.net/el.aspx?el=http://affordableranking.com
Good day! I simply wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for your great information you have got right here on this post. I will be returning to your web site for more soon.
https://www.samoyede.ro/guestbook/go.php?url=http://affordableranking.com
http://pik-plitka.ru/bitrix/redirect.php?event1=news_out&event2=&goto=http://affordableranking.com
Very nice article. I certainly love this site. Stick with it!
http://www.siam-daynight.com/forum/go.php?http://www.affordableranking.com
May I simply say what a relief to uncover someone who truly understands what they are talking about on the internet. You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people have to look at this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you are not more popular given that you certainly have the gift.
https://rodeoclassifieds.com/adpeeps/adpeeps.php?bfunction=clickad&uid=100000&bzone=miscellaneousbottom&bsize=120√ó240&btype=3&bpos=default&campaignid=563783&adno=65&transferurl=http://www.affordableranking.com/
http://cies.xrea.jp/jump/?http://www.affordableranking.com
https://globalfamilydoctor.com/EmRedirect.aspx?nid=8aa46a2f-4f9c-4122-b8e9-b154b45ec447&url=https://www.affordableranking.com
I'm more than happy to discover this great site. I need to to thank you for ones time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely savored every part of it and I have you saved to fav to look at new stuff in your site.
http://www.w9.oroti.net/~hironobuasukabe/navi2/navi.cgi?site=571&url=http://www.affordableranking.com/