Crampex

Night cramps are muscle spasms that occur in the legs or feet during the night. They can be painful, and cause the affected muscles to contract rapidly, leaving muscles feeling tight and knotted.

Night cramp symptoms last from a couple of seconds through to several minutes, with some sufferers experiencing residual pain for up to 24 hours after the cramp itself.

Night cramps are more common in adults aged 50+, however can occur in younger adults and children too. There are more than 13 million people in the UK who regularly suffer from night cramps.

While the exact cause remains unknown, there are a number of factors known to affect night cramps:

• Sitting for extended periods of time, or with crossed legs
• Over-exertion of the muscles, including exercise and poor posture
• Standing or working on hard floors
• Poor, or sluggish, circulation
• Some medications are believed to aggravate symptoms; including diuretics and statins
• Certain medical conditions are believed to affect symptoms; including diabetes, neuromuscular disorders, Parkinson's disease, alcoholism and pregnancy
• Dehydration is known to affect cramp, as are electrolyte imbalances

There are some simple ways in which to try and prevent night cramp from occurring. Stretching exercises are commonly advised, Take note of your posture in bed - it is recommended to prop your feet up on a pillow if you sleep on your back, hang your feet over the end of the bed if you sleep on your front, and keeping your blankets or duvet loose at the foot of your bed. If night cramps are occurring regularly speak with your pharmacist or GP about medication, such as Crampex.

Crampex is the only medicine licensed for the treatment of muscle cramp at night.