Leg cramps

Cramps usually occur in the calf muscles, although they can affect any part of your leg. This includes your feet and thighs. Cramps can last from a few seconds up to 10 minutes. Thigh muscle cramps tend to last the longest.

During a cramping episode, the affected muscles will become tight and painful and the feet and toes will be stiff.

After the cramping has passed, you may have pain and tenderness in your leg for several hours.

Cramps often happen during the night when you’re sleeping.


During a cramping episode, the affected muscles will become tight and painful and the feet and toes will be stiff.

After the cramping has passed, you may have pain and tenderness in your leg for several hours.

Cramps often happen during the night when you’re sleeping.

Symptoms

A leg cramp is an episode of sudden pain in the muscles of the leg. It’s caused by an involuntary contracting (shortening) of the leg muscle.

Cramps usually occur in the calf muscles, although they can affect any part of your leg. This includes your feet and thighs. Cramps can last from a few seconds up to 10 minutes. Thigh muscle cramps tend to last the longest.

During a cramping episode, the affected muscles will become tight and painful and the feet and toes will be stiff.

After the cramping has passed, you may have pain and tenderness in your leg for several hours.

Cramps often happen during the night when you’re sleeping.