Leg cramps
Leg cramps are very common and usually harmless. They can happen at any time, but most people have them at night or when resting.
Leg cramps happen when a muscle suddenly shortens and becomes tight (spasms).
They can be very painful and make it hard for you to move. The cramps can last from a few seconds to 10 minutes.
They can affect the:
- calf muscle, below the knee at the back of the leg
- muscles in the feet or the thighs (less often)
After the cramp has stopped, the muscle might feel tender for up to 24 hours.
During a cramp
Most cramps go away without you doing anything, but stretching and massaging the muscle can help to ease the pain.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen will not help when cramp is happening as they take too long to work. They can help to ease muscle tenderness afterwards.
Preventing cramps
Regular calf-stretching exercises might not completely prevent cramps, but may help to reduce them.
See a GP if:
- leg cramps are disturbing your sleep
- you also have numbness or swelling in your legs
Ask for an urgent appointment if you have cramps and:
- they last longer than 10 minutes
- there's a chance you might have got a tetanus infection from a wound
Your GP will examine you to try to find out the reason for your cramps.
They'll suggest a treatment depending on the cause.
This might be:
- stretching exercises
- quinine tablets if your cramps are very bad and exercise has not helped
Quinine is not suitable for everyone. Your GP will discuss potential risks and side effects with you.
Cramps can sometimes be caused by:
- ageing
- exercise – putting too much strain on muscles
- pregnancy – usually in the later stage
- medicine for lowering cholesterol (statins) or high blood pressure (diuretics)
- not drinking enough fluid (dehydration)
- liver disease – because of too much alcohol
The reason for some cramps is unknown.
Page last reviewed: Tue Nov 2020 Next review due: Tue Nov 2020
