If cramps return night after night, don’t wait to see a doctor . A proper medical diagnosis helps rule out more serious causes, such as diabetes , neurological disorders , or thyroid dysfunction .
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Tip: Note the frequency, duration, and intensity of your cramps before your medical appointment. This information will help healthcare professionals make a more accurate diagnosis.
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Mistakes to avoid when dealing with nighttime cramps
You may have tried to ignore a cramp, thinking it would eventually pass. Bad idea! Here are common mistakes and what to do to avoid them.
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Mistakes: Stay calm
Their natural reflex may not be to move , but it often prolongs the pain .
Solution: Gently stretch the affected muscle.
- If the cramp affects the calf, bend the foot up to the knee to relax the muscle.
