Have you ever been laying in bed at the end of a long day and experienced aching in your legs?
Nighttime is a common time for aching in the legs to occur. There are a number of conditions which might mean your legs ache at night. Some causes are common and nothing to worry about, while others can be more serious. So let’s run through ten of the reasons why you may get pain in your feet and legs at night.
Why do my legs ache at night?
Vein weakening
A common reason for aching at night is weakening of the veins which pump blood back up from your feet and legs (venous insufficiency). When you are laying down and inactive at night, blood has a tendency to pool in the feet and legs as it is harder for your calf muscles to pump the blood back up to your heart. The veins in our legs naturally get weaker as we age, or in pregnancy, but this is compounded by the position of laying down.
The excess fluid causes swelling and an uncomfortable cramping sensation. Venous cramps will usually improve when you get up and walk around for a bit, as the calf muscles help to pump the blood back up. Elevating your legs will often help too, as gravity can help the fluid drain back out of your legs.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Another cause of night pain in legs is due to the opposite problem with blood flow, called peripheral arterial disease. This is where the arteries which supply blood to your legs are blocked, resulting in less blood flow and less oxygen getting to your muscles and nerves.
This lack of blood supply can cause cramping and aching, which is most likely to occur in your calf muscles and upper thighs. Usually the pain will be relieved by hanging your feet over the edge of the bed so that gravity helps blood flow towards your feet.
Peripheral arterial disease occurs most commonly in those:
- With diabetes
- Heart disease
- Smoking
- Overweight
- High cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Older age
Overuse or Dehydration
Muscles will cramp and ache if they have been overworked or injured during the day. You may find this feeling more noticeable at night when the muscles have been held in the same position for hours.
Additionally, muscles will cramp at night if there’s a salt imbalance. This is usually caused by dehydration and/or a poor diet. Specifically, low magnesium seems to encourage muscle cramps. For this reason, we often encourage a magnesium supplement before bed to aid with leg pain at night.
Gout
Gout is a fairly common condition which generally affects men more than women. It is essentially a form of intense joint inflammation caused by a deposit of urate crystals. A gout attack can be triggered by certain foods and drinks such as red meat, wine, and beer.
Gout attacks can commonly happen at night after being triggered by an evening meal. Affected joints are usually the big toe of the foot, but it can happen in larger joints like the ankle as well. The pain is severe and debilitating, but can be treated with strong anti-inflammatories or preventative medication, which lowers the level of uric acid in the blood.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a nervous system disorder manifesting as an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. This condition typically becomes noticeable during moments of inactivity, and discomfort can feel amplified during nighttime sleep. Symptoms include a creeping sensation, tingling, or pulling pain in the legs.
Although the precise cause remains unidentified, RLS is often associated with genetics, pregnancy, some medications, and chronic diseases like Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, and diabetes. If you experience these symptoms, consulting a podiatrist can help determine appropriate remedies or interventions.
Medication Side Effects
Aching legs at night can sometimes be attributed to certain medications, including diuretics, antipsychotics, and statins. These drugs may lead to muscle cramps. Moreover, a deficiency in specific vitamins can also result in leg cramps.
If you suspect that your leg pain is related to medication or a vitamin deficiency, it’s essential to speak with a podiatrist or healthcare professional about potential adjustments or supplements.
Osteoarthritis (OA) and Other Joint Diseases
Osteoarthritis, a prevalent joint disease, can lead to sore legs at night, especially after long periods of inactivity. This condition can result in increased pain during nighttime rest, making nightly leg pain a common complaint among those affected. The most common symptom for OA would be deep aching pain and stiffness.
It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider if you suspect you may have osteoarthritis or any joint disease, as they can recommend treatments or interventions to manage symptoms.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs. Symptoms can range from warmth to swelling, and even severe leg pain, particularly in the calf area. Factors such as long periods of immobility, increased blood volume, or high blood pressure might elevate the risk.
It’s imperative to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you have DVT, as untreated blood clots can pose severe health risks.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that may appear twisted and can be blue or dark purple. They’re often raised above the skin’s surface and commonly develop in the legs. Varicose veins can cause an aching or heavy sensation, especially at night. This discomfort arises when blood pools in these veins after prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
Wearing compression stockings, elevating the legs, and exercising can often mitigate the symptoms. If you have visible varicose veins and experience leg pain, it’s a good idea to discuss this with a podiatrist or vascular specialist.
Nerve Damage
Specific conditions, such as sciatica, cause pain due to pressure on the nerves. For instance, the sciatic nerve, when compressed, can lead to pain that radiates down the leg, often mimicking leg cramps.
Adjusting blood flow, utilising cold or heat packs, or shifting pressure away from the irritated sciatic nerve will help to relieve symptoms. If these treatments don’t appear to work or provide any prolonged pain relief, however, it’s essential to see a podiatrist to accurately diagnose your nerve-related leg pain.
Who should I see about aching legs at night?
Nighttime leg pain can arise from various conditions, ranging from common and benign to more serious underlying issues. While certain home remedies, lifestyle changes, and over-the-counter solutions may provide temporary relief, persistent or severe leg pain should not be ignored.
At Advance Foot Clinic, our podiatrists are lower limb experts who can diagnose, treat or refer you as appropriate for nighttime leg pain. If you need advice or a second opinion on your lower body symptoms, our friendly team of experts are here and ready to help.
Book an appointment online or call 1300 76 33 66 today.