A quick question before we begin: have you ever experienced this? If yes, you probably already know that this is not a pleasant experience. You rub your leg and pray that it will all end soon. Sometimes these cramps go away in seconds, but the pain will stay with you for 3 or 4 days.
Nocturnal leg cramps, (experts call them nocturnal leg cramps), appear at night, due to lack of physical activity during the day. How this works: Well, experts warn that lack of blood flow to the legs is the most common reason for these cramps.
As we said, these annoying cramps last a few seconds. But unfortunately, that’s more than enough to disrupt sleep. People over 50 years old are the most likely to suffer from these cramps. But don’t get us wrong: young people can be affected too. Nighttime leg cramps usually affect the calf, but sometimes they can also affect the thigh muscles.
RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome) vs NLC (Nocturnal Leg Cramps): 3 Main Differences:
RLS does not cause pain or cramps, NLC does;
RLS is a feeling of tingling or discomfort in the legs;
RLS will make you move your legs / NLC prevents movement;
NLC: most common causes
According to experts, these are the most common risk factors for NLC:
If you sit in an inappropriate position.
If you remain seated for a long period of time.
Standing on concrete floors (for a long period of time).
Overexertion (of the muscles).
Experts warn that some medical conditions can also cause NLC:
Parkinson’s disease.
Alcoholism.
The pregnancy.
Dehydration.
Flatfoot.
Diabetes.
Diuretics.
NLC – The best natural treatments and preventative methods include:
Horse chestnut: will increase blood flow in the legs.
Heating Pad – Simply apply to the affected area.
Acupuncture.
Stretch.
Drink plenty of water.
Avoid high heels.
Take magnesium/potassium supplements.
Swim.
NLC strikes: what to do? Here is the answer:
Get up and walk for 5 minutes.
Massage the affected area (gently).
Take 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard.
