General practice·General practice
Muscle cramps
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
A muscle cramp is a sudden, tight, and painful squeezing of a muscle that you cannot control. It usually stops on its own within seconds to minutes, but it can linger or come back.
Key facts
- Muscle cramps are very common and usually harmless.
- They happen most often in the legs, especially the calf.
- Cramps can happen at night, during exercise, or for no clear reason.
- Simple stretches and staying hydrated can help prevent and stop cramps.
Yes, muscle cramps are extremely common. Most people will experience them at some point in their lives, especially in the legs.
Muscle cramps can affect people of any age, but they become more frequent in older adults. They also commonly affect athletes, pregnant women, and people who take certain medications.