Night Leg Cramps - Health Hints

One of the most frequent questions a massage therapist receives is, How do I stop nightime leg cramps? Prevention is key - drink more water, replace your electrolites, and massage your legs gently BEFORE you go to bed. However, that's not very helpful if you're suffering in the moment. So, here is how to deal with leg cramps fast and prevent repeat cramps.

Step 1
Grip your leg (calf is more common but this also works for thigh cramps) at it's meatiest, crampiest part and apply static, direct, firm pressure with the flat of your hand. Better yet, if you have a partner wake them up and have them apply the pressure - they'll have way better leverage than you.

Step 2
When the cramp begins to subside get up and drink a glass of water with a bit of juice in it and grab some ice from the freezer. While you're sipping your water, ice the area that was cramped for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 3
Massage the area gently and then give it a jiggle. Lift up the muscle as much as you can and give it a good shake - it's hard to describe but easy to do.

Step 4
Stretch it out your leg gently {and while you're at it you might as well do a good overall body stretch} and then go back to bed.