CHECK-UP:Spasms occur when natural acids build up in the muscles, but they can be eased
FOR THE past couple of months, I have been having severe cramps in my legs and feet. These episodes are extremely painful and seem to come on just when I drop off to sleep. It's very difficult to settle down after they have gone.
Cramp is a painful spasm in the muscles, usually the calf muscles of the leg, although it often occurs in the feet as well. The cramp tends to make the muscle affected feel tense and hard, and it is almost impossible to consciously relax it. Although most people will experience cramp at some time in their lives, some seem to be more prone to it than others.
It is common in athletes, especially those involved in intensive running, while some older people experience the type of cramp you describe, which comes on during sleep - the sudden severe pain resulting in the sufferer being rudely awakened.
Apart from walking my dog most days, I spend a lot of time sitting at a computer. Could sitting for long periods have anything to do with it?
In addition to exercise, cramp can be brought on by long periods of sitting, standing or lying in an uncomfortable position. It is thought to result from a build-up of a natural acid in the muscles. Less commonly, it can be caused by medical conditions such as hardening of the leg arteries, thyroid conditions, lack of salt in the cells and the side effects of certain drugs.
Is there anything I can do to ease the cramp when it happens?
Usually cramp lasts for a couple of minutes and then resolves of its own accord. It can sometimes be eased with firm massaging of the affected muscles and flexing the foot up towards you. If you can get someone to help you with this, all the better. You could also try applying firm pressure on the webbing between the first and second toes. Your doctor may prescribe quinine sulphate tablets, but it may be worth trying a glass of tonic water before bed to see if it helps ward off the night cramps.
Using some pillows at the end of the bed to keep the bedclothes from pressing on the feet may help, while stretching and relaxing exercises for the legs and feet before you retire may also help prevent this night-time scourge.