Night leg cramps are sudden, painful tightenings of the calf, foot or thigh muscles that can wake you from sleep and leave the muscle sore the next day. They are very common, especially over 50, in pregnancy and in people who exercise hard, and they are usually harmless. Stretching often helps, and a GP can check for causes such as medicines, low minerals or circulation problems when cramps are frequent. A GP telephone consultation with The Online GP is £59.
Reviewed by the medical team at The Wellness. Last updated 14 November 2026.
Key points
Night cramps are common and usually have no serious cause.
Regular calf stretches before bed help many people.
Some medicines, including some diuretics and statins, can contribute.
Swelling, redness or persistent pain in one calf needs urgent assessment.
A GP telephone consultation is £59, and a video consultation is £150.
What causes night leg cramps?
In most people there is no single cause. Cramps become more common with age, and are linked to muscle fatigue, long periods of sitting or standing, and pregnancy. Other things can contribute too.
Medicines, such as some diuretics, statins and inhaled asthma medicines
Low levels of magnesium, potassium or calcium
Thyroid problems, kidney disease and diabetes
Narrowing of the leg arteries, which can cause cramping pain on walking
Dehydration and heavy alcohol use
What helps during a cramp?
Stretch the muscle by pulling your toes up towards your knee, or stand and press your heel to the floor. Massaging the muscle and walking around can also help. A warm bath or heat can ease soreness afterwards.
How can I prevent them?
Stretch your calves for a few minutes before bed, every night
Keep active during the day, without overdoing exercise late in the evening
Drink enough water, and cut down on alcohol
Keep bedding loose over your feet, so your toes are not pointed down all night
Is there a medicine for night cramps?
Quinine was once used, but it is no longer recommended routinely because of its side effects. It is only considered in specific cases when cramps are frequent and severe and other measures have not helped, and your doctor will discuss the risks with you. Often the more useful step is to review your current medicines.
When should I see a GP?
Cramps happen often and disturb your sleep regularly
They started after a new medicine
You also have numbness, weakness or muscle wasting
You get cramping pain in the calf when walking that eases with rest
Seek urgent medical help the same day if one calf is swollen, red, warm or painful, as this can be a blood clot.
How can The Online GP help?
Our doctors can review your symptoms and medicines, arrange blood tests and suggest treatment. A telephone consultation is £59, a video consultation is £150, and a same day urgent appointment is £220.
How do I arrange an appointment?
Send us a message on WhatsApp with a few words about what you would like help with, and we will offer you the earliest time with one of our doctors. Appointments run from 7am to 9pm every day by video, and in person at our clinics in Marylebone and Belgravia. You do not need a referral, and you do not need to be registered with an NHS GP.
After your appointment you receive a written summary of what was discussed. Our team then arranges any tests, prescriptions or referrals your doctor recommends, and keeps you updated at each step, so nothing is left for you to chase.
Frequently asked questions
Are night leg cramps serious?
Usually not, but frequent cramps are worth checking, especially if they started after a new medicine.
Should I take magnesium?
The evidence that magnesium helps is weak for most people. Ask your doctor whether it suits you.
Can statins cause cramps?
They can cause muscle aches in some people. Do not stop a statin without talking to your doctor.
Is a swollen calf a cramp?
No. A swollen, red or warm calf needs same day medical assessment, as it can be a clot.
How much is a GP appointment?
A telephone consultation is £59, a video consultation is £150 and a same day urgent appointment is £220.
The Online GP is part of The Wellness, a doctor-led private healthcare group with clinics at 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, and 9 Eccleston Street, Belgravia. All doctors are GMC-registered. Prescriptions are issued only after a consultation and clinical assessment, when the doctor judges them appropriate. In an emergency call 999. This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice about your own health.
Message us on WhatsApp on +44 7961 280835 (ref OGP-night-leg-cramps-private-gp) and we will arrange your appointment.
Sources
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