Night Cramp

Seriously, today i woke up real early... 5 am leh! Why? It's not because i need to wake up so early *Oh pueease! Public holiday leh* But well, i woke up with very intense pain.. Got bad leg cramp on my left calf muscle. The pain was totally unbearable, and in my pain, i was praying to God that He will take away my pain. I struggled with the pain for at least 15 to 20 minutes.. The pain was slowly going off, but the moment i relax my calf, the pain came back.. OOOOUCH! I'm sadz; i think this could be PMS (Post menstrual syndrome)

Today, i went to my grandma's house as well as May's birthday BBQ... but well, i guess i was too tired after the long journey from Punggol to AMK, then i was feeling a bit queasy, and my head started to float... PMS-sy?? I dunno. Anyway, i think i was going to faint liao. So i quickly went to Guardian [Thank God for Pharmacies in the mrt station] and bought some Panadol extra.. Wha, AMK not so developed now, so i struggled to get to the nearest fast-food joint. Thank God there's a MOS burger, so i sat there for quite a while [Since i was so early at 4pm.. the guys were meeting at 5pm] and took one capsule.. Hmmm... i must say, it works real fast. by the time i walk back from MOS to the MRT station, my 'floating' head is getting back to normal.. Haha, i seem to be an advertisement for Panadol extra...



Ok, since we are on the topic of night cramps, i thought i just share on leg cramps..

Adapted from www.mayoclinic.com [23rd May, 2005]

What causes night leg cramps? What can you do about them?


A muscle cramp is an involuntary, sustained tightening (contraction) of one or more of your muscles. It can result in intense pain and an inability to use the affected muscles. Night leg cramps are contractions of the leg muscles, usually in the back of the lower leg (calf). They often occur just as you're falling asleep or just as you're waking up.

The exact cause of night leg cramps isn't known. Some experts believe they may be due to abnormal processing of electrolytes — essential elements and chemical substances your body needs for basic functions — by muscles. Almost everyone has occasional leg cramps. But they occur most often in older adults.

Common causes of night leg cramps include:
Muscle overexertion
Prolonged sitting
Dehydration
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Decreased potassium levels
Neuromuscular disorders, such as Parkinson's disease
Certain medications, such as albuterol, niacin, diuretics, and some calcium channel blockers and antipsychotic medications
Alcohol use

If you do get a leg cramp, you may be able to make it go away by:
Walking on the affected leg
Massaging the affected muscle
Straightening your leg and flexing your foot toward your knee until you feel the calf muscles stretch
Applying a cold pack to the affected muscle
Taking a hot bath

To help prevent night leg cramps:
Drink plenty of fluids during the day
Stretch your leg muscles before bedtime

If you have frequent and severe leg cramps at night, talk to your doctor. Treatment results vary. But the most effective treatments based on current research are:
Quinine
Vitamin B-12
Gabapentin

Night leg cramps should be distinguished from another common cause of night leg discomfort called restless legs syndrome, a condition in which your legs have a creepy, crawly or fidgety sensation unless you move them. This sensation often gets worse as night approaches. Restless legs syndrome is a neurologic condition that requires different treatment from that of night leg cramps.

Oh.. let me add something: a suggestion from a fren i was talking to on msn.. When u have cramps, it could be due to a lack of salt. So when u sleep, prob ur leg slightly higher, using a pillow/bolster/cushion. Think it will help too =)

So i hope that ppl out there who happen to read this and experience night cramps, u can read more about it in www.mayoclinic.com . Hope u are bless.