Muscle cramps are very common, particularly in the legs. Leg cramps commonly affect your calf muscles (at the back of your leg, below the knee). However, they can also affect thigh muscles and sometimes the small muscles in your feet. Leg cramps usually happen while you are resting or sleeping.
What are leg cramps?
A leg cramp occurs when your muscles suddenly shorten (contract), giving you pain in your leg. This is called a spasm, and you're unable to control the affected muscle when it happens.
The cramp can last from a few seconds to 10 minutes. When the spasm passes, you'll be able to control the affected muscle again.
The cause of leg cramps is often unknown, and treatment isn't usually needed. Self-care techniques, such as stretching exercises, can help reduce them.
Who gets leg cramps?
Many people get leg cramps. They can affect people of any age, although they're more common in older people. One-third of people aged over 60 get leg cramps, with 40% of those having it three or more times a week.
Continue to next section: Symptoms of leg cramps