You are most likely having a condition that is called as nocturnal leg cramps.
There is usually no known cause of these cramps happening at night but sometimes conditions such as peripheral arterial disease or partial blockage or arteries to the legs can cause this to happen as well.
Restless leg syndrome is quite frequently confused with this condition but it is a separate condition in which pain is not a prominent feature.
Mild cramps can be prevented by: Drinking a lot of fluids to avoid dehydration. Wearing proper shoes with support Stretching your muscles or riding a bicycle before going to bed.
Things that may relieve leg cramps include: Flexing your feet upward toward your head when these cramps do happen, massaging the cramped muscles with your hands or with ice, walking or jiggling can also reduce these cramps, taking a hot or a warm shower can also sometimes help.
Tonic water that is available in stores contains a small amount of quinine that can also be very helpful for these kind of cramps as well.
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