by Donna Easto, HC, CH, CWHE
It’s a miserably hot night, you’re sweaty, sleepless and bothered. Gosh darn, here comes another cramp in your calf! Blame it on the heat? You could be right. High heat makes you sweat more than usual and that can result in dehydration and loss of electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium) making muscles more apt to cramp.
It’s not unusual for calf cramps to last 5-10 minutes, but if they are new, come often, seem severe, last a long time, and include calf swelling, redness, warmth, numbness or weakness – seek medical advice. Pain in your calf that comes on slowly may be the development of a blood clot, much more serious. (A cautionary tale, some years ago I noticed a swelling on my calf, the skin was red and warm to the touch. We had a flight to catch, but thankfully, chose to miss the flight and go to a local clinic. The diagnosis was alarming, I had a deep vein thrombosis that could have reached my lungs during the flight.)
What to do when calf cramps hit? Straighten your leg, pull your toes upward and gently massage the affected calf. What can you do during hot weather to try to avoid nighttime cramps? Drink plenty of water and try a light calf stretch before bed.
It’s tempting to start potassium, magnesium, calcium, or salt supplements, but first, check for possible interactions with the medications* you’re currently taking. Some of them can impact supplements and calcium by changing electrolyte levels, and some could be the root cause of your calf cramps. Better safe than sorry, ask your medical provider or local pharmacist to fill you in on any possible interactions.
*medications that may affect electrolyte levels: Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, Potassium sparing diuretics, antidepressants, pain meds, NSAID pain relievers. Perindopril can affect potassium levels. To be sure, do not start supplements or stop or change a prescribed medication without checking with your medical provider or pharmacist. Sources: Mayo Clinic and NHS
