Leg cramp

Leg cramp is a sudden, involuntary muscle contraction that occurs primarily in the calf muscles but can also occur in the thighs or feet. These contractions are often painful and can last from a few seconds to several minutes. While the exact cause of leg cramps is often unknown, they are thought to be related to muscle fatigue and nerve dysfunction.

Causes

Leg cramps can be caused by many conditions or activities, including:

• Dehydration
• Overuse of the muscles
• Muscle strain
• Sitting for long periods of time
• Standing or working on concrete floors
• Medical conditions such as blood flow problems (peripheral arterial disease), kidney disease, thyroid disease, and multiple sclerosis
• Certain medications, including diuretics, statins, and steroids

Symptoms

The main symptom of a leg cramp is sudden, severe pain in the leg caused by a tightened muscle. The muscle might also feel hard to the touch, bulge visibly, or twitch. Symptoms can last from a few seconds to 10 minutes or more.

Treatment

Treatment for leg cramps depends on the cause. If leg cramps are caused by a specific medical condition, treating that condition may help reduce the frequency and severity of the cramps. In many cases, however, the cause of leg cramps is unknown and treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. This can include:

• Stretching and massaging the muscle
• Applying heat or cold
• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Physical therapy
• Medications to relax the muscles or improve blood flow

Prevention

Prevention strategies for leg cramps can include:

• Regular stretching of the leg muscles
• Staying hydrated
• Eating a balanced diet with enough potassium, calcium, and magnesium
• Wearing supportive shoes
• Avoiding sitting or standing for long periods without moving

See also

• Muscle cramp
• Charley horse
• Restless legs syndrome
• Night cramps