What are leg cramps?

Most people have suffered the excruciatingly painful experience of a leg cramp at least once in their life. A cramp is a painful spasm of the muscle, usually in the calf, but sometimes in the foot. The affected muscle feels very hard. Cramp may come on after taking increased exercise or, in regular sportspeople, after prolonged exercise, particularly in the heat.

What causes cramps?

There are probably several different reasons why cramp occurs. Lack of salt is one well-recognised cause. Poor circulation is another, and pregnant women are also particularly prone to cramp.

Night cramps

One of the most distressing forms of cramp is nocturnal (night) cramps, which often wake the sufferer - who is usually elderly. These can often be prevented by taking quinine, either in tablet form or by drinking tonic water. Sleeping with the legs bent may also help.

Relieving cramps

When cramp occurs it is best relieved by stretching the muscle. When the calf is affected, this can be done by pulling your toes towards you, massaging the muscle at the same time. Although they are extremely painful, leg cramps are more of a nuisance than anything else. Fortunately, they are not usually a sign of anything seriously wrong.

Original material from MyDr. Dr Michael Jones, Medical Editor. Reviewed by everybdoy, March 2005.