When to see a doctor

By Mayo Clinic Staff

For most people, night leg cramps are just a bother — something that jerks them awake sometimes. But some people who have them might need to see a health care provider.

Seek medical care right away if you have:

  • Severe cramping that continues.
  • Night leg cramps after coming into contact with a toxin, such as lead.

Schedule an office visit if you:

  • Are tired during the day because leg cramps interrupt your sleep.
  • Have muscle weakness and muscle wasting with leg cramps.

Self-care

To help prevent night leg cramps, try to:

  • Drink plenty of fluids, but limit alcohol and caffeine.
  • Stretch leg muscles or ride a stationary bicycle for a few minutes before bedtime.
  • Loosen the sheets and covers at the foot of the bed.

To relieve night leg cramps, try to:

  • Stretch the leg and flex the foot up toward the face.
  • Massage the muscle with ice.
  • Walk or shake the leg.
  • Take a hot shower and point the water at the cramped muscle, or soak in a warm bath.

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March 02, 2023