What are Leg Cramps

Leg cramps occur when one or more muscles tighten and you have no control over this tightening (involuntary muscle contraction). Muscle cramps can develop in any muscle, but the most common place is in the calf muscles of the leg.

Those cramps can occur during exercise or when you are at rest. Leg cramps are painful, and they may last for a few seconds to a few minutes. Cramps may return several times before they finally stop.

Usually, leg cramps are not caused by a serious medical problem. In many cases, the cause is not known. Some common causes include:

• Excessive physical effort (overexertion), such as during intense exercise.
• Overuse from repetitive motions, or doing the same thing over and over.
• Staying in a certain position for a long period of time.
• Improper preparation, form, or technique while performing a sport or an activity.
• Dehydration.
• Injury.
• Side effects of certain medicines.
• Abnormally low levels of minerals in your blood (electrolytes), especially potassium and calcium. This could result from:
  • Pregnancy.
  • Taking diuretic medicines.

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow. Staying hydrated may help prevent cramps.
• Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of nutrients to help your muscles function. A healthy diet includes fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat or nonfat dairy products.

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

• Try massaging, stretching, and relaxing the affected muscle. Do this for several minutes at a time.
• If directed, put ice on areas that are sore or painful after a cramp:
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• If directed, apply heat to muscles that are tense or tight. Do this before you exercise, or as often as told by your health care provider. Use the heat source that your health care provider recommends, such as a moist heat pack or a heating pad.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the heat source.
  • Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes.
  • Remove the heat if your skin turns bright red. This is especially important if you are unable to feel pain, heat, or cold. You may have a greater risk of getting burned.
• Try taking hot showers or baths to help relax tight muscles.

General instructions

• If you are having frequent leg cramps, avoid intense exercise for several days.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your leg cramps get more severe or more frequent, or they do not improve over time.
• Your foot becomes cold, numb, or blue.

Summary

• Muscle cramps can develop in any muscle, but the most common place is in the calf muscles of the leg.
• Leg cramps are painful, and they may last for a few seconds to a few minutes.
• Usually, leg cramps are not caused by a serious medical problem. Often, the cause is not known.
• Stay hydrated and take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.