Foot cramps while sleeping, Home treatment for muscle cramps in legs and feet

The frequency and severity of cramps in the foot and toes is highest among sports persons and the aged. Feet having to bear the maximum weight, foot cramps are the most common of all muscle spasms that affect the body. Foot cramps are jerky and non-voluntary spasms that affect the muscles extending and the effects could last from just a couple of minutes to even a few days occasionally.


The accompanying pain is caused because the muscle contracts without effectively shortening. Such spasms can leave the muscles sore well after the pain has subsided. Leg and foot cramps are a fairly common feature of the aging process and are related to reduced activity.


Muscle fatigue could also be a cause and occurs when there is an inadequate blood supply to the muscles.

The problem of cramps can be addressed quite easily. Moderate and regular activity and stretching the muscles prior to sleep reduces the chances of cramps occurring during the night. Exercise that stretch and strengthen the muscles will also help a lot. Certain medications are believed to increase the likelihood of cramps and alcohol, sugar and caffeine also contribute, so they are best avoided.

Increasing your consumption of calcium can significantly help with the problem. Magnesium citrate can also be used or add later. Magnesium can cause loose stools and so it would be best to start increasing the measure gradually tweaking and adjusting proportions to suit your bowel tolerance. Nuts, whole grains, soybeans and apricots are rich sources of magnesium. Try to eliminate sugar and caffeine from your diet. Caffeine disrupts and hampers your body's absorption of calcium. Another remedy that works very well is to soak the affected foot or feet in warm or hot water just before bed time. A heating pad could also be used as an alternative.