​The calf is sore and swollen in the middle of the night

When it is late at night and everyone is asleep, some people cannot sleep because of the unbearable soreness and swelling in their calves, and may even wake up in pain in their sleep. This feeling is very uncomfortable and urgently needs adjustment. So how do you deal with the unbearable soreness and swelling in your calves in the middle of the night? Let’s analyze with you the reasons why your calves feel sore and swollen in the middle of the night and the related treatment measures. Only after we understand the relevant knowledge can we take good prevention measures.

Muscle soreness is caused by the accumulation of local acidic metabolic products. Cramps are actually continuous contraction of muscles due to strong stimulation. Muscle cramps in the calves and toes are generally most common. Cold stimulation, fatigue, lack of sleep or too much rest, and poor sleeping posture may cause certain calf muscles to be contracted or absolutely relaxed for a long time, all of which may cause muscle "contracture".

Electrolyte imbalance, calcium deficiency, excessive water loss, some medical diseases (such as hypothyroidism) or drug side effects (taking certain antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs) and nerve diseases can also cause muscle cramps, but they often do not occur only in the legs and feet, but may also occur in other parts of the body and may recur. If you encounter such a situation, you should go to the hospital for treatment in time.

How to prevent and treat calf soreness or cramps?

The best way to prevent muscle soreness or cramps is through muscle relaxation training. Follow the three pictures below to do calf stretching exercises, and you will see immediate results soon.

Other prevention methods include: drinking a glass of diluted sports drink or light salt water before bed, keeping your calves warm while sleeping, soaking your feet in hot water before bed and paying attention to your sleeping posture. Drinking more soy milk and milk, and eating more vegetables, meat and other foods high in calcium may also be helpful.

Once a cramp occurs suddenly, the most direct way to relieve it is to massage the area where the cramp occurs. Use the thumb and other four fingers of the other hand to press together and repeatedly pinch the muscles on the back of the calf of the affected limb from top to bottom for a few minutes. And use the "opposite method" (i.e. bend the toes in the direction opposite to the force that causes muscle spasm) and persist for more than one or two minutes, and you will get the effect.