HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING ANSWERS: HOW CAN I STOP CALF MUSCLE CRAMPS AT NIGHT?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

To stop a foot or leg cramp once it happens, stand up and slowly lean forward. If you don't want to get out of bed, sit up and reach forward so you can grab your toes, then slowly bend your foot up toward your head. Hold for about 20 seconds, then release. Repeat as needed. Despite the lack of a scientifically proven and safe therapy to prevent recurrent nighttime leg cramps, a few approaches may be worth trying. Begin with stretching exercises. While facing a wall and standing about two feet away, lean forward until your hands touch the wall. Keep your legs straight and feet flat on the floor. You should feel a stretch, but it should not be painful. Hold the position for 20 seconds and release. Repeat the stretch four to five times. Try to do this three times per day for at least the first few weeks and then as needed. The most important time to stretch is before bedtime.

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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.

2024-04-19T13:06:49Z dg43tfdfdgfd