Ask the doctor: How can I prevent leg cramps at night?
Ask the doctor
I have been having frequent foot and calf cramps at night that are quite painful. They come on when I first get into bed. What causes them? Can I do anything to prevent them?These cramps can result from musculoskeletal problems like flat feet or high arches, dehydration, long periods of sitting, or long hours of standing on hard floors. People with neurological problems such as Parkinson's disease or neuropathy (nerve damage) often get nocturnal muscle cramps, too. Anemia is a less common cause.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Source matters. Subscribe to HarvardHealthOnline+ FREE for 30 days for unlimited access to the site – where all content is reviewed by an HMS physician or faculty expert.
With HHO+ you get these exclusive benefits:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
SPECIAL OFFER! UNLOCK EXPERT ACCESS for 30 days FREE!
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
