Night-time calf cramps are sometimes due to muscle spasms and shortening of the gastroc-soleus muscles. Gentle, static pressure on a tender point in the muscle is helpful to begin the process of relieving the spasm. Have someone gently press the calf in different places and give them feedback as to the most painful point(s). Have them maintain the pressure for about a minute. Remember - be gentle; the pressure should be firm but not enough to make you want to hit the ceiling. After 20-30 seconds of pressure you should feel a slight easing up of the pain. Be sure to follow up with a good, standing calf stretch: hold onto a counter or lean into the wall. Have one leg extended back behind you, keeping the heel flat and the toes pointing forward. That is the leg you're stretching. The other leg is more forward and the knee is bent. Lean forward and bend the knee a little more until you feel a gentle stretch in the calf. Hold that position for 30 seconds -- the optimal amount of time for a stretch to be effective. Let me know how this works for you."

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