![]() ![]() “There is a clear seasonal pattern in the frequency of muscle cramps, with higher numbers in summer and lower numbers in winter,” says Michael Behringer, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of sports science at Goethe University in Germany. There’s some evidence that dehydration promotes nocturnal cramping. And so in summer, when your D levels are peaking, your body may engage in “sped up” neural repair, which could trigger these cramps, he says. ![]() Your body produces vitamin D from sun exposure. So why summer? “Nerve growth and repair might be more active in summer because of the greater vitamin D levels,” Dr. Electromyogram tests have shown that nerves running from the spine down to the calf trigger these cramps. It’s important to understand that these muscle cramps are caused by nerve issues-not muscle disorders, Dr. While not true for everyone, the frequency of these cramps tends to peak in mid-July and crater in mid-January. Garrison’s own research has shown nighttime leg cramps are more common in summer than winter. Sleeping on your side, with your feet off the bed, or in some other position that keeps your toes neutral-not pointing away from you-may be a better position for these muscles. When the foot rests in this position for long periods, even small movements of the feet could trigger a cramp. Other experts have observed that, when lying face down in bed, the foot is often in a “plantar flexion” position-meaning the toe points away from you, shortening the calf muscles. There’s 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. While our ancient ancestors spent lots of time squatting-a position that stretches leg tendons and muscles-contemporary life has mostly removed the need for it. Some researchers have theorized that our modern lifestyle is to blame. Kelley says three out of four leg cramps occur at night, but why do they happen in the first place? One or several of the factors below-combined with your individual physiology-could explain why you’re waking up in pain. “You will find plenty of disparate opinions, but the simple truth is that nobody really knows why these occur,” says Scott Garrison M.D., Ph.D., an associate professor of family medicine at the University of Alberta who has published multiple studies on nocturnal leg cramps. However, once the cramp resolves the muscle may feel sore for a few days.” Leg cramp causesĭespite how common they may be, there is not one definitive cause of leg cramps. “Most are short-lived, lasting for a few seconds to a few minutes. “Anatomically, they are an intense and spontaneous muscle contraction,” Dr. Casey Kelley, M.D., A.B.O.I.M., integrative medicine doctor and founder and medical director at Case Integrative Health, says leg cramps at night are a common complaint. While we’ve 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. “They are often called a ‘charley horse.’” “It is a sudden, sustained contraction or tightening of a muscle,” says Karena Wu, P.T., D.P.T., physical therapist and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy. Leg cramps are ill-timed Charley horses-characterized by a sharp muscle contraction that can last several seconds to minutes-that usually affect the calf and foot, although they can also strike your hamstring. Keep reading to learn what leg cramps are, the common causes of nocturnal leg cramps, and possible treatments. According to a study published in American Family Physician, up to 60% of adults say they’ve experienced leg cramps at night-that special kind of muscle spasm that rudely interrupts a full night’s sleep. If painful leg cramps at night wake you up, you’re not alone. ![]()
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