Avoid aggressive stretching or forceful massage if the leg is swollen, red, unusually warm, or extremely painful.
## Can Stretching Before Bed Help?
It may.
Gentle calf and hamstring stretching before bedtime is a low-risk strategy commonly recommended for people with recurring nighttime cramps. The source article also identifies regular stretching as one of the practical approaches that may help reduce episodes.
A simple calf stretch can be done by standing facing a wall, placing one foot behind you, keeping the heel on the floor, and leaning forward gently.
Hold for
