Jump to content

Choose locationKahi Mohala
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Kāhi Mōhala
  • Ask an Expert
  • How to Alleviate Muscle Cramps
Content

Ask An Expert

How to Alleviate Muscle Cramps

Joshua C. Richards

Joshua C. Richards, M.D.

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Summit Campus

Eden Medical Center

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus

SEBMF HMO Network

Question:

I get bad cramps in my feet, legs, thighs and sometimes fingers, from work. What can I do to prevent them and/or stop them once they start? They become debilitating at times and they keep me from getting the sleep that I need.

Answer:

Common causes of muscle cramps include dehydration and deficiencies of minerals such as magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium. Most cramps can be eliminated by proper hydration (eight glasses a day of water), decreasing caffeine intake, and including a healthy amount of foods such as bananas, broccoli, tomatoes and citrus fruits in the diet.

If the cramps are happening from sitting at a desk all day, then get up and stretch for five minutes every hour - and get a glass of water. If the cramps are happening at night and the water and diet changes are not doing the trick, sometimes adding an ankle splint that keeps the toes pointing toward the ceiling can be helpful.

If that doesn't work, see your doctor. Statin drugs for high cholesterol are a common culprit of muscle cramps and there are many other uncommon causes that your physician might explore with routine blood testing and a good physical examination.

Related Questions

Question
  • Toenail Fungus Treatment
    I have a yellow discoloration on most of my toenails. I've tried a few over-the-counter creams, but they did not work. Any suggestions? What is your opinion of laser treatments for this problem?
  • Ingrown Toenail Treatment
    I have an ingrown toenail that I want to treat at home. How do I do it?
  • Painful Pops and Cracks in Knees
    My knee pops out consistently when I work out. I'm 19 years old, at a healthy weight, and have an active lifestyle. I have quit working out several times due to painful cracks and pops. Is there anything that I can do to prevent this from happening?
  • Severe Achilles Tendinitis and Exercise
    I have severe Achilles tendinitis and can't even go on long walks for exercise. What workouts would you recommend while I recover? It's been weeks since I've broken a good sweat.
  • Corns and Calluses
    What can I do to get rid of the corns and calluses on my feet?

Back to Bones, Joints and Muscles

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare Advantage
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Residencies and Fellowships
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2022 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences