Is it calcium deficiency that causes sudden cramps in the calf when sleeping? How can I recover faster when I suddenly cramp in the calf?

Cramps are muscle spasms, which are very painful and can heal on their own after a while. Sometimes you get leg cramps when you sleep, stretch, or walk. So is the sudden cramp in your calf due to calcium deficiency? Is there any way to recover immediately?

Is it calcium deficiency that causes sudden calf cramps when sleeping?

Calcium deficiency is one of the factors that cause calf cramps. Pregnant women, women after menopause, children who grow too fast, calcium loss due to old age, or unbalanced nutrition may all trigger this problem. Generally, the problem can be solved by increasing calcium intake.

In addition, calf muscle strain and lumbar disc herniation can also cause leg cramps.

Many people are prone to calf cramps after strenuous activities or fatigue. At this time, you should palpate the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles on the back of the calf to see if there is tension, pain, and cord-like adhesions. Muscle strain can lead to cramps, and massaging to eliminate the pain points can relieve this symptom.

How to recover faster from sudden leg cramps

When you have a leg cramp, don't panic. Stand up the cramped leg immediately and the cramp will subside. If it still doesn't subside, do the opposite and gently stretch the tense muscle.

Method 1: Grab the big toe on the side with cramps with your hand, and then slowly pull the sole of the foot toward you, which can stretch the gastrocnemius muscle. Then slowly straighten the foot, and then stretch the leg hard, and the calf muscle will not cramp; or use both hands to vigorously massage the calf, which can also be effective.

Method 2: Lean forward against a wall with your heels on the ground. Then focus your weight on the leg that has cramps, but be careful not to fall. Massaging your legs and feet in a warm environment (using an electric blanket or warm water but not boiling water) can also relax the muscles.

What to eat to supplement calcium for cramps

Seafood: crucian carp, carp, silver carp, loach, shrimp, dried shrimp, shrimp skin, crab, kelp, seaweed, clams, sea cucumber, snails, etc.

Meat and poultry eggs: lamb, pig brain, chicken, eggs, duck eggs, quail eggs, preserved eggs, pork floss, etc.

Vegetables: celery, rapeseed, carrots, radish greens, sesame seeds, coriander, Chinese mustard, black fungus, mushrooms, etc.

Fruits and dried fruits: lemon, loquat, apple, black dates, apricot preserves, tangerine cakes, peach preserves, almonds, hawthorn, raisins, walnuts, watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried mulberries, peanuts, lotus seeds, etc.