Doctors explain why it’s common during summer
Have you noticed your child waking up at night due to cramps lately? Many children are experiencing these painful muscle contractions, particularly during the summer months, UAE doctors report.
Leg cramps, which affect both children and adults, are painful and involuntary muscle contractions that can last for several seconds or minutes. These cramps can disturb sleep, disrupt exercise routines, and negatively impact overall quality of life.
Doctors note that muscle cramps are particularly common during the hot summer months when dehydration is more likely. As the body sweats, it loses vital fluids and electrolytes—such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium—that are essential for proper muscle function.
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“Electrolytes are crucial for muscle performance, much like fuel is for a car,” explained Dr. Osama Elsayed Rezk Elassy, clinical assistant professor, consultant, and head of the division at the Centre for Paediatrics and Neonatology at Thumbay University Hospital. “When we sweat excessively, especially in hot and humid weather or after intense exercise, our muscles can cramp due to dehydration.”
“Think of your muscles as needing a good balance of nutrients and water to function optimally. If we don’t stay hydrated or lose too many electrolytes through sweat, our muscles might respond with cramps,” he added.
What Can Trigger It?
Dr. Mohamad Awad, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery at DRHC and Mubadala Health Dubai, stated, “Overloading the muscles (muscle fatigue), poor circulation, and certain medications like diuretics (water pills) used to treat high blood pressure can cause electrolyte imbalances that lead to leg cramps.”
The frequency of leg cramps varies from person to person, occurring annually, monthly, weekly, or even nightly.
“Leg cramps are particularly common during the summer for those who play outdoors and don’t adequately replace water and electrolytes,” added Dr. Aisha Abdulla Al Ali, family medicine specialist at Burjeel Medical Center, Al Marina.
Nocturnal leg cramps, which occur at night, can affect individuals of any age but are most prevalent among older adults. About 33% of people over 60 experience leg cramps at least once every two months, and nearly every adult over 50 will experience them at least once.
Additionally, around 40% of pregnant women experience leg cramps, likely due to the extra weight that strains their muscles.
Treatment and Relief
Understanding the causes and taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the occurrence of muscle cramps, whether they are caused by heat, physical exertion, or other factors, according to doctors.
Dr. Abner Rivas Abejo, an internal medicine specialist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, advised, “Properly warming up and stretching before exercise can prevent cramps. It’s important to have a diet rich in minerals such as potassium (found in bananas, oranges), magnesium (nuts, seeds), and calcium (dairy products).”
“For immediate relief, stretch and massage the affected muscle and apply hot or cold packs. Staying hydrated is key to alleviating cramps. Long-term management includes regular exercise, maintaining hydration, and ensuring proper nutrition to reduce the frequency of cramps,” he added.
