

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.Musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis.Neurological conditions such as peripheral neuropathy or motor neuron disease.Structural issues such as spinal stenosis or flat feet.However, they are associated with the following medical conditions and could be a symptom of these conditions: This can increase your risk of developing cramps. Over time, the tendons tend to shorten in length. Studies suggest that standing for an extended period can increase your risk of developing night leg cramps. Sitting for a prolonged period in a particular position can make you susceptible to cramping. To function correctly, your muscles need to be adequately stretched. It shortens your calf muscles, thereby increasing the risk of cramping in the muscles.Įxcessive exercising can overwork your calf muscles and increase your risk of developing cramps. This position is known as plantar flexion. You sleep with your feet and toes extending from the rest of your body.

However, certain factors can increase your risk of developing night leg cramps: The exact causes of idiopathic cramps are not known yet. This type of leg cramps is called secondary leg cramps. However, some leg cramps could be a symptom or a complication of an underlying health condition. This type of leg cramp is known as idiopathic cramps. Some cases of leg cramps happen for no known causes. If you experience night leg cramps frequently, it can disrupt your sleep. For almost an entire day, your leg may feel tender or sore after the leg cramp resolves. Usually, the cramp resolves itself within 10 minutes. When the leg cramps occur at night, you can either be asleep or awake. However, in some cases, the muscles in your front thighs known as quadriceps, or back thighs known as hamstrings, can also be affected. Usually, these cramps affect the calf muscles, also known as gastrocnemius muscles. Night leg cramps are involuntary spasms or contractions in your legs. However, most cases of night leg cramps are not severe and can be treated at home.īook An Appointment What are Night Leg Cramps? Night leg cramps are more common among older adults and women than in teenagers. Also referred to as nocturnal leg cramps or muscle spasms, night leg cramps affect adults.
