What’s WRONG WITH ME?

Common complaints and what might be causing them. This week: Leg cramps at night

LEG cramps are sudden muscle pains. Most are harmless, and remedied by stretching, massaging or walking. They often happen due to inactivity, which is why many people get them at night.

They also occur more often with age – a third of over-60s get them at least once a month – because tendons shorten and stiffen as we get older, but they can be a sign of problems with circulation, diabetes or stress. They are also a side effect of sleeping tablets and medicines for asthma, blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Leg cramps also occur in people suffering with kidney failure, Parkinson’s disease and muscle-wasting conditions.