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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffMost of the time, true night leg cramps occur for no known reason, and they're harmless. However, in rare situations, night leg cramps can be associated with an underlying disorder, such as peripheral artery disease or diabetes.
Restless leg syndrome is sometimes confused with night leg cramps, but it's a separate condition and pain is not a prominent feature. Still, restless leg syndrome is a possibility to consider if you are having leg cramps at night.
Other conditions that may sometimes be associated with night leg cramps may include:
Structural disorders
Metabolic problems
Medications
- Blood pressure drugs
- Diuretics
- Oral contraceptives
Other conditions
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Muscle fatigue
- Parkinson's disease
- Pregnancy
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
- Kanaan N, et al. Nocturnal leg cramps: Clinically mysterious and painful — but manageable. Geriatrics. 2001;56:34.
- Walters AS. Clinical identification of the simple sleep-related movement disorders. Chest. 2007;131:1260.
- Sheon RP. Nocturnal leg cramps, night starts and nocturnal myoclonus. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 8, 2008.
- Dehydration and fluid maintenance. Columbia, Md.: American Medical Directors Association. http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?ss=15&doc_id=3305&nbr=2531. Accessed Dec. 9, 2008.
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