Réhabital
Frequent and Nocturnal Muscle Cramps
Being woken by a calf cramp, or having your thighs lock up at the end of a run, is as painful as it is frustrating. Assessing muscle, nutrition and training usually reduces frequency substantially.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
A cramp is an involuntary, sustained, painful muscle contraction. Popular explanations — dehydration and salt loss — only explain part of the picture. Current research points mainly to motor neuron hyperexcitability linked to neuromuscular fatigue: a fatigued muscle in a shortened position loses inhibitory control. That explains why cramps often strike at night (foot plantarflexed) or late in exercise. Management therefore combines flexibility and fatigue-tolerance work, hydration and electrolytes, and screening for medical factors.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Neuromuscular fatigue
Unusual or prolonged effort raises motor neuron excitability and predisposes to cramping.
Prolonged shortened position
Sleeping with the feet pointed puts the calf in a cramp-prone position.
Dehydration and electrolytes
Heavy sweat loss, particularly in heat, contributes in some people.
Medical factors
Certain medications (diuretics, statins), pregnancy and metabolic conditions increase cramp frequency.
Our Treatment Approach
Massage therapy releases the involved muscles, improves local circulation and reduces tension points that predispose to cramping. Osteopathy assesses foot, ankle and pelvic mechanics, since uneven load distribution fatigues some muscles more than others. We add a regular stretching program and, importantly, progressive eccentric strengthening, which improves the muscle's fatigue tolerance. In naturopathy we review hydration, sodium, magnesium and potassium intake, and any contributing medication in collaboration with your physician.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A 60 minute session with assessment of the involved muscles and walking mechanics. Most people see reduced frequency within three to four weeks of consistent work.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Stretch calves for 30 seconds before bed.
- Keep feet in a neutral position at night (loose sheets).
- Hydrate regularly, especially in hot weather.
- Increase training load gradually.
- Add eccentric calf strengthening twice weekly.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Good in most cases: frequency drops clearly with a program of stretching, strengthening and habit adjustment.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come in if cramps are frequent or disrupt sleep. Cramps with progressive weakness, muscle wasting or dark urine need medical assessment.
Why Réhabital Clinic
Rather than simply advising 'more water and bananas', we assess muscle fatigue, mechanics and habits, which produces more reliable results.
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Our Core Treatments in Côte Saint-Luc
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Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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