For most people, night leg cramps are just a bother that sometimes wakes them with a jolt. But some people who have night leg cramps might need to see a healthcare professional.

Seek medical care right away if you have:

• Severe cramping that continues.
• Night leg cramps after coming into contact with a toxin, such as pesticide, industrial chemicals or heavy metals.

Schedule an office visit if you:

• Are tired during the day because leg cramps interrupt your sleep.
• Have muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass 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.