WTF?!?! Muscle Cramp????? What is it?

[Cat118!]

It hasn't happened for a long time.... but I had a few times that in the middle of the night I wake up in pain from a sudden muscle cramp.... in my calf.
It does a hard flex..... and wont release the contraction.... it hurts alot!!!

Last night same thing except both calves.... I was slap/tapping them to get them to unflex and wasn't working..... I have have no clue way it happens.... Last several seconds and now my calves are sore this morning like I worked them out.

Any ideas?

[cromer611]

you drinking enough water? my lady used to have the same prob, she points her toes when she dreams (dunno why) but she doesnt drink enough water, hense the cramp

[Cat118!]

points her toes??? LOL

water...ummmmmmm......maybe I should drink more...

Its sooo weird its flexes like how you would flex your muscles to show them off.... and it won't release it.... OMG the Pain!!

[chanke4252]

stretch

[usmcab35]

its heat cramps, happens when you dont drink enough water, i used to get them when i was in the marines, if you work out or something stretch good and drink a ton of water and wont happen again.

[Wrider]

Yeah same happened to me, +1 on the drinking water.

[Tylar]

+1 on the dehydration, but i had also always been told to eat a banana a day to increase potassium: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/tc/nighttime-leg-cramps-topic-overview

:)

[Dizzy D]

you drinking enough water? my lady used to have the same prob, she points her toes when she dreams (dunno why) but she doesnt drink enough water, hense the cramp

This is exactly correct. Being recently pregnant, (these muscle cramps are a side effect of being pregnant) I asked the DR. why I get those in the middle of the night. The DR. said it is dehydration and not to stretch your muscles in your legs (for me it was pointing my toes also).

Drink a ton more water and do not stretch your muscles while you are sleeping. It will go away. It did for me.

[usmcab35]

+1 on the bananna, potassium helps reduce muscle soreness, and small amounts of salt help retain water to feed ur muscles

[Cat118!]

thanks ya'all
I am terrible about drinking water....... like beyond.... never thought it would cause that so I will definatly drink more and eat bananas.

[DevilsTonic]

http://www.sleepeducation.com/Disorder.aspx?id=23

[Tylar]

thanks ya'all
I am terrible about drinking water....... like beyond.... never thought it would cause that so I will definatly drink more and eat bananas.

When i used to get them regularly, I was drinking tons of water, and it was all due to vigorous excercise. It was the bananas and stretching before bed that worked for me.

[Pharmgirl]

You can also try taking magnesium oxide, which helps relax muscles. Look for MagOx at the grocery/drug store.

[The Black Knight]

It hasn't happened for a long time.... but I had a few times that in the middle of the night I wake up in pain from a sudden muscle cramp.... in my calf.
It does a hard flex..... and wont release the contraction.... it hurts alot!!!

Last night same thing except both calves.... I was slap/tapping them to get them to unflex and wasn't working..... I have have no clue way it happens.... Last several seconds and now my calves are sore this morning like I worked them out.

Any ideas?
Along with everyone else here recommended "drinking lots of water". I'd also recommend taking some protein and/or mixing in a glutamine drink as well. It Protein and gluto will help you're muscles recover faster and aid in the repair.

But if you're really doing strenuous work-outs, nothing beats water or a drink with added electrolytes.

Also are you taking a good multi-vitamin?? Muscles can also cramp from low nutrients in them.

[sprtbkbabe]

+1,000

I get them alot Cat. Sometimes in my foot, too, and they happen when I've ridden a bicycle alot, been on the scooter for hours without stretching while riding, etc... always when I haven't been good about Potassium and water intake.

You can be preventative and be sure to drink more water everyday. But, I already drink tons and have to say that may help you more if you already don't drink enough. So, I remember to eat at least a banana every other day, if not everyday. Potatoes are great sources of Potassium, too.

When they happen, hop over to a tub and soak your leg under warm, nearly hot water. It'll relax the muscles.

[Reyven]

agreed with what everyone has said so far. it's really just the ion imbalance in the muscle. the Na to K ratio is off, sending a signal to the muscle to contract bc the threshold for contraction has been reached. by keeping the potassium in check you can avoid that scenario. Water, balanced nutrients, stretching, should take care of it. Good luck!

[Cat118!]

Thanks everyone!! Will take all advice