Leg cramps are caused by the contraction of a muscle in the leg. These contractions are involuntary and generally harmless, according to the Mayo Clinic. Many women never experience them until pregnancy, and after childbirth, they may never have them again. Some elderly people experience cramps in the calf muscle, hamstring or quadriceps. Some folk remedies for helping night leg cramps may help relieve the pain, but if the condition persists, consult your doctor to find out if the night leg pains may be the result of something serious.
Hydration and Electrolytes
Always drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water each day to prevent dehydration that may cause night leg pains. Increase fluids if you exercise because excess sweating can cause your body to lose important electrolytes from the minerals potassium, calcium and magnesium. Sometimes you can still suffer from dehydration, particularly if you are low on potassium or calcium. Eat a banana, drink a glass of milk or have a half cup of yogurt before bedtime. Also, take a magnesium supplement before bedtime to help prevent leg cramps.
Chamomile Tea
Drink chamomile tea before bedtime to help relax all the muscles and induce sleep. Chamomile tea helps raise the levels of glycine, an amino acid that can help relax the muscles, according to AyurvedicCure.com.
Pinch Your Lip
Pinch your upper lip until it hurts. Robert Nirschl, M.D., with the Georgetown University School of Medicine, claims that pinching the upper lip can make your leg cramps go away. In an article by Nathan Wei, M.D., at the Arthritis Treatment and Relief website, Dr. Nirschl says he isn't sure why this works, but there are two likely reasons. The area above the lip might be a pressure point for those muscles, or perhaps the lip pain you inflict by pinching it may override the leg cramps until the muscles relax on their own.
Flex the Foot
Slowly do the reverse of pointing your toe by flexing your foot. Pointing your toe back toward your body may help release the leg cramp if you are able to do this in the middle of the pain, claims Harry Daniell, M.D., professor in the School of Medicine at the University of California.
Apply Ice
If the stretch doesn't help stop the cramp, apply ice to the area and rub it around the muscle to freeze out the pain and calm the muscle. Irene von Estorff, M.D., assistant professor at the Cornel Medical College in New York City, claims that this method may work if stretching doesn't help. She recommends massaging the ice over the muscle for about three to five minutes, keeping it moving to prevent injuring the tissue.
