Query from Rose
I sometimes experience cramps in my calves in the middle of the night. I will hold my breath to relax my muscles so that the cramps will go away. Usually, they last a few seconds. I do not dare use too much strength to straighten my leg, in case the blood vessels burst. Lately, I was told the best way to deal with the cramps is to stand up straight. Does this really work? I would also like to find out if frequent leg cramps mean I have a nutritional deficiency or other underlying medical conditions.
Reply by Dr Roger Tian
Registrar, Changi Sports Medicine Centre, Changi General Hospital
Cramps are involuntary, and often painful, contractions of muscle lasting from seconds to one to two minutes. The exact cause is unknown, and several explanations have been offered.
These include muscle fatigue arising from excessive or unaccustomed activity, muscle tightness and temperature changes. Such cramps usually respond to gentle massage, stretching and correction of any underlying muscle strength/flexibility deficits. Wearing a long garment to keep the leg warm and avoiding excessive cold temperatures can also help.
If the cramps persist, consult a doctor. Many conditions, including spinal disk degeneration, inflammation and nerve disorders, can give rise to similar symptoms.