Few things are as painful as leg cramps, whether they occur in the middle of exercise or the middle of the night. Despite decades of research, it's still not known just why some people get them while others don't. People with circulatory problems or diabetes are more prone to getting leg cramps. Other possible causes include being sedentary, overdoing a running or jogging program, wearing high heels and taking diuretics or other medications.

Here are some ways to prevent leg cramps:

• Stretch your calf muscles two or three times a day, especially before going to bed.
• If you exercise strenuously, stretch your calves after your workout.
• Be sure the sheets and blankets in your bed aren't tucked in so tightly that they constrict your foot movement.
• Try sleeping on your side or on your stomach with your feet hanging off the end of the bed. This will keep your leg and foot muscles stretched out.
• Don't wear high heels.
• Drink plenty of water before and during exercise.
• Don't overdo your workouts - if you're increasing the intensity and duration of your workouts, do it gradually.

Related information: Fitness Channel | Foot Care

Sources:

• Foundations of Wellness, UC Berkeley Wellness Letter. Staying a step ahead of those pesky leg cramps.
• UC Berkeley School of Public Health. Fitness - don't let them cramp your game. UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, January 2002, page 6.