Waking up with sharp, painful cramps in your legs is not just frustrating—it can be a sign that your body is out of balance. At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics in St. Louis, we frequently see patients who ask, “Why do I keep getting leg cramps at night, and what can I do about it?”

Nighttime leg cramps—also known as nocturnal leg cramps—are often sudden, intense muscle contractions that affect the calves, feet, or thighs and can last for seconds or even minutes. They may resolve on their own, but for some people, they happen night after night, disturbing sleep and reducing quality of life.

The good news? There are root causes that can be identified and treated. Here are the top 3 reasons why you may be experiencing nighttime leg cramps—and how we address them from a functional medicine perspective.

1. Electrolyte Imbalances

One of the most common—and often overlooked—causes of nighttime leg cramps is electrolyte imbalance, especially low levels of magnesium, potassium, calcium, or sodium. These minerals play a key role in how your muscles contract and relax. When they’re off, even slightly, muscle cramping can become a regular occurrence.

Contributing factors:

• Dehydration or inadequate fluid intake
• Diuretic use (blood pressure meds)
• Excess caffeine or alcohol
• Sweating from exercise or heat exposure
• Chronic stress (which depletes magnesium levels)

We often find that patients who experience leg cramps also report fatigue, brain fog, or poor sleep—all signs that mineral levels are off.

What we recommend:

• Magnesium glycinate or magnesium threonate supplementation at night
• Coconut water or electrolyte-enhanced water (without added sugar)
• A mineral-rich, whole-foods diet (leafy greens, bananas, sweet potatoes, seeds)
• Targeted bloodwork to check red blood cell magnesium and potassium levels

Related: How to Handle Stress Naturally

2. Poor Circulation or Vein Disease

If your cramps are often accompanied by heaviness, swelling, or aching in the legs—especially at the end of the day—you may be dealing with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or underlying vein disease. This condition occurs when leg veins struggle to return blood to the heart, leading to pressure buildup and irritation in the muscles.

In fact, vein disease is one of the most underdiagnosed causes of nighttime leg cramps, particularly in people over 40.

Common signs:

• Cramps that worsen after standing or sitting too long
• Visible veins, spider veins, or bulging varicose veins
• Restlessness in the legs at night
• A history of swelling, leg fatigue, or leg ulcers

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, we use vascular ultrasound to diagnose circulation issues that standard labs and exams often miss. Once diagnosed, minimally invasive vein treatments can restore normal blood flow and eliminate symptoms.

Explore more: Treating Vein Disease the Right Way

3. Nerve Compression or Musculoskeletal Imbalance

Sometimes, leg cramps are caused by nerve irritation or musculoskeletal misalignment—often in the back, hips, or lower legs. Nerve impingement from lumbar disc degeneration or sciatica can lead to abnormal nerve firing, which may trigger cramps, twitching, or burning sensations.

In other cases, a tight Achilles tendon, imbalanced gait, or weak glutes can place excess strain on the calf and foot muscles during sleep.

Signs to look for:

• Cramping that follows back pain or long hours of sitting
• Tingling or numbness in the feet
• Uneven walking pattern or history of injury
• Leg pain that worsens with movement or certain sleep positions

In our St. Louis clinic, we assess posture, gait, and functional movement patterns, and refer for physical therapy or chiropractic care when needed. We may also incorporate PEMF therapy or red light therapy to reduce inflammation and support tissue healing.

Learn more: Red Light and PEMF Benefits for Pain Relief

When to See a Doctor for Leg Cramps

If you’re experiencing frequent leg cramps at night—especially if they disrupt your sleep, limit your mobility, or are accompanied by swelling, numbness, or visible vein changes—it’s time for a full evaluation.

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, we specialize in identifying the root causes of leg pain, cramps, swelling, and fatigue. We use a combination of:

• In-depth medical history and exam
• Vascular testing and circulation assessment
• Nutrient and hormone evaluation
• Functional and regenerative therapies tailored to your needs

Sleep Without the Sudden Pain

You don’t have to live with painful leg cramps that wake you up in the middle of the night. Whether the cause is circulatory, neurological, or nutritional, we can help uncover the reason and guide you toward long-term relief.

📞 Call 314-842-1441 to schedule your evaluation
💻 Visit www.sheenveinandcosmetics.com to learn more about our vein and functional medicine services

Nighttime leg cramps are not just a nuisance—they’re a message from your body. Let’s find out what it’s trying to tell you.

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