Those pains that once again tear us from our well-earned sleep - calf cramps at night are simply awful! Nevertheless, they are often dismissed as a trifle instead of being accepted as a serious problem. A dilemma for those affected. And that's around 2.8 million Germans.

Magnesium deficiency: one of many causes

When talking about painful muscle cramps, almost everyone immediately has a tip at the ready: magnesium! In fact, a lack of this important mineral can be the cause of sudden painful muscle cramps. It is now known that at least one in six Germans suffers from a magnesium deficiency. However, this is rarely the sole cause. It is often also due to a lack of exercise or fluids, the intake of certain
certain medications (such as antihypertensives, cholesterol-lowering drugs or insulin). Diseases such as diabetes, venous insufficiency, hypothyroidism, a nerve disorder (polyneuropathy) or kidney weakness can also be behind calf cramps. To find out the exact cause, a visit to your GP is essential.

Calf cramps at night: reliable ways out of the pain trap

The doctor can identify the cramp triggers based on blood tests and possibly other tests - and help. For example, quinine sulphate, an active ingredient that was originally used to treat fever and malaria, has proven effective. It is taken before bedtime and relaxes the muscles quickly and effectively.
quickly and effectively. There are also home remedies to alleviate the symptoms. These include, for example, alternating showers, tapping massages, stretching exercises, etc.

Tip: Take the opportunity to get personal advice during our free telephone campaign, which we are running together with experts from the German
Pain League to coincide with "Calf Cramp Month May". Every Wednesday in May from 5 to 7 pm, you can call 0800/2212220 for free advice.