How to treat leg cramps: expert advice
Muscle spasms can be excruciating and keep you awake at night. These tips from Dr Sarah Jarvis could help…
Dr Sarah Jarvis offers her expert advice...
Exercise
If there are no underlying causes (such as liver disease or pregnancy), Patient.co.uk suggests doing this stretch three times a day to help prevent cramps: stand with your feet flat, a metre from a wall. Lean forward to support yourself with your hands, hold for five seconds, then return to standing straight. Repeat the exercise for five minutes. Relieve cramps when they strike by straightening your leg, flexing your ankle and lifting your toes towards your shin, then walk around on your heels.
Simple painkillers
Most cramps ease quickly and the pain only lasts a few seconds but, in some cases, it can continue for up to 10 minutes. Longer episodes can leave the calf muscle feeling tender for about 24 hours – paracetamol or ibuprofen will ease the discomfort.
Prescribed medication
Originally used to treat malaria, quinine is now given to patients whose leg cramps are very frequent. There are potential side-effects, however, so your GP will prescribe it for a limited time only if exercise fails to work. Tonic water contains a small amount of quinine, and some people find a small glass (without the gin!) before bedtime can help reduce night-time leg cramps.
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