Calf cramps are commonly caused by dehydration, low electrolytes, overuse, or certain medicines. Stretch and stay hydrated.
Common causes
- Dehydration.
- Low magnesium, potassium or calcium.
- Overuse or standing long.
- Medicines (diuretics, statins).
- Poor circulation.
- Nerve problems.
Relief
- Stretch the calf by flexing the foot upward.
- Massage and warm compress.
Prevention
Drink water, stretch before bed and keep a balanced diet.
See a doctor
If cramps are frequent, with swelling or redness.
Causes of calf cramps
Muscle cramps in the calf, also called charley horses, are sudden involuntary contractions. Common causes are muscle fatigue, dehydration, poor stretching, electrolyte shifts, prolonged standing or sitting, and sleeping with the feet pointed downward. Nocturnal leg cramps affect about 60 percent of adults at some point and become more common with age.
- Pregnancy increases cramps, especially in the third trimester.
- Medicines such as diuretics, statins and some asthma drugs can cause cramps.
- Conditions include peripheral artery disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease and nerve compression.
Relief and prevention
Stretch the calf by pulling the toes toward the shin, walking on the heels or standing and pressing the foot to the floor. Heat or massage helps relax the muscle. Stay hydrated, stretch before bed, and vary activity. Quinine is not recommended by the FDA for cramps because of serious side effects. Seek care for swelling, redness, one-sided pain or cramps that are frequent, severe or unrelated to activity.
Causes of calf cramps
Calf cramps (charley horses) are involuntary muscle spasms. Causes include muscle fatigue, dehydration, low potassium or magnesium, pregnancy, certain medicines such as statins and diuretics, and conditions like peripheral artery disease or nerve compression. Night cramps affect up to 60 percent of adults at some time, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Relief and prevention
Stretch the calf by flexing the foot upward, massage the muscle and apply heat. Stay hydrated, stretch before bed and wear supportive shoes. Seek help if cramps are frequent, follow leg swelling, redness or warmth, which can signal a blood clot.
Frequency, causes and tests
Cramps in the calf are common in pregnancy (up to 50 percent), older adults and athletes. A review in the Cochrane Library found magnesium supplementation unlikely to help older adults with cramps. Medicines such as statins, diuretics, albuterol and teriparatide can cause them. Conditions include cirrhosis, kidney disease, diabetes and hypothyroidism.
Stretching and prevention
During a cramp, straighten the leg, flex the toes upward and walk. Daily calf stretches before bed for 10 minutes reduced night cramps in a small trial. Drink fluids, avoid heavy alcohol and wear comfortable shoes. Persistent cramps with weakness or swelling should be checked by a doctor to rule out circulation or nerve disorders.
Based on data from the Cochrane Library and the American Academy of Family Physicians
