[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

What are some of the root causes? I know it's the muscle going into spasm, but what sort of things can cause that to happen?

I remember when I was a kid I used to get frequent night cramps in my thighs. The doctor said I wasn't getting enough salt. Any truth in that?

[Karen W.]

I know lack of potassium can cause some underlying cramps..I get them in my legs real bad.. Charlie horses if you will. It helps to stand flat on a cold linolium or wood floor bend down and pull your big toe up and back against your foot without bending your leg. It helps loosen that muscle to relieve the cramp. Sometimes they hit me while sleeping and cause me to jump up off the couch and really struggle till I get to my feet.. They stink!!!

[another_someone]

The sodium/calcium ion exchange is important for the proper electrical activity of the muscles, but almost any imbalance of salts (generic, not only common salt) or many vitamins, would also have an impact.

Also, I would have thought any circulatory problems could manifest themselves as cramp, as maybe something like diabetes.

[Karen W.]

I do not have diabetes, but have circulatory problems sometimes..