A rare or episodic muscle contraction is not a cause for concern. It can be caused by a slowing down of metabolic processes, a temporary deficit of vitamins and trace elements, minor circulatory disorders, dehydration or overexertion.
Pathology refers to the frequent cramping of calf muscles at night - the causes and treatment of this condition should be determined at a doctor's appointment, after the delivery of a series of analyzes, instrumental studies.
How does the gastrocnemius muscle cramp in a dream?
The phenomenon under consideration (myoclonia) is a process in which the muscle fibers strongly and involuntarily strain without external causes. It quickly passes into a spasm, because of which the calf part of the leg does not relax.
The convulsion is accompanied by an intense pain syndrome due to the simultaneous infringement of several nerves located in the lower limb region.
What are the causes of seizures in the calf muscles at night?
There are 2 groups of factors provoking the described problem. The first type includes reasons not related to serious diseases, which is easily amenable to therapy.
That's why the calf muscles can be cramped at night:
- supercooling;
- too bright light;
- lack of calcium, vitamin D and magnesium in the body;
- excess lactic acid in the muscles;
- excessive load on the legs;
- circulatory disorders;
- pregnancy;
- adherence to a protein diet;
- increased sweating;
- frequent stress;
- taking certain medicines (antacids, insulin, diuretics);
- decreased muscle tone;
- low mobility;
- excess weight.
The second group of causes is a disease whose symptom is myoclonia. In this case, it is more difficult to find out why there are calf muscles at night because the list of pathologies is great:
- phlebeurysm;
- diabetes mellitus type 2 ;
- hidden injuries;
- chronic renal failure;
- Thyroid gland diseases;
- radiculitis;
- chronic disorders of blood flow in the vessels of the legs;
- flat feet;
- hypoxia;
- Parkinson's disease;
- Addison's disease ;
- alcoholism;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- tumor lesions;
- spasmophilia;
- brain trauma;
- inflammatory processes;
- severe intoxication;
- multiple sclerosis;
- neuroinfections;
- encephalomyelitis;
- virus diseases.
To establish the exact diagnosis it is possible only after consultation of the neuropathologist.
How to treat the causes and symptoms of nocturnal cramps in the calf muscles?
Emergency ways to eliminate spasm in myoclonia:
- Rapidly rub your leg with your hands.
- Press the index finger into the center of the gastrocnemius muscle for at least 20 seconds.
- Massage the limb.
- Stand on a cold floor or a wet rag soaked in icy water.
- Pull your foot towards you, holding your toes.
Also, the well-known method is effective - to prick the gastrocnemius muscle with a pin or needle, which is preliminary important to disinfect.
These tips help to cope only with the symptoms of pathology. To cure myoclonus, you need to get rid of the disease that caused the muscle spasms. As supporting measures it is recommended:
- Include in the diet of vitamin D, B6, calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium.
- Adhere to the norms of a balanced diet.
- Reduce the intensity or frequency of exercise, especially at bedtime.
- Wear shoes with good ankle support and optimal lift.
- In the evening make a contrasting douche gastrocnemius muscles.
- After water procedures, perform self-massage of the feet.
- Reduce the amount of sugar and caffeine in the menu.
- Several times a week doing stretching exercises for muscles.