Open links in new tab
  1. Cleveland Clinic
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/muscle-spasms-muscle-cramps

    Muscle Spasms (Muscle Cramps): Causes, Treatment & Prevention

    • Learn about the common causes and symptoms of muscle spasms, especially in the legs, and how to treat and prevent them. Find out when to see a healthcare provider and when to go to the ER for muscle cra… See more

    Overview

    Muscle spasms (muscle cramps) can affect anyone at any time, in one or multiple areas of your body. They can be painful, but they’re usually not serious. See more

    Cleveland Clinic
    Symptoms and Causes

    What are the symptoms of muscle spasms (muscle cramps)? Muscle spasms can range from … See more

    Cleveland Clinic
    See more images of Spasm
    See more images of Spasm
    All images
    Diagnosis and Tests

    How do healthcare providers diagnose muscle spasms? In addition to reviewing your health history and medications, your provider may ask questions, including: 1. How bad i… See more

    Cleveland Clinic
    Management and Treatment

    How do you treat muscle spasms? There’s no pill or injection that instantly relieves muscle spasms. But there are things you can do to try and stop muscle cramps fast: 1. Stretch t… See more

    Cleveland Clinic
    Feedback
    Table of Contents
    Overview
    Symptoms and Causes
    Diagnosis and Tests
    Management and Treatment
     

  1. What causes muscle cramps in legs?

    Answered by verified global health professionals
    Dr. Mayank SaxenaDoctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1 years of exp

    Muscle cramps in legs are caused due to overactivity of leg muscles or due to injury secondary to straining certain muscles during physical activity or exercise.

    See all questions on Charley Horse

    Disclaimer: Opinions are from external health professionals and should not be considered as Microsoft's opinion or a substitute for professional help. Consult a health professional for medical advice.
    Was this helpful?
  2. Muscle spasms in the leg1234:
    • Leg cramps are painful, involuntary muscle contractions that can last seconds or minutes.
    • Common causes include stress, exercise, or dehydration.
    • Stretching, massage, using ice and heat, and staying hydrated may help relieve muscle spasms.
    • Leg cramps most commonly affect the calf muscles, but can also occur in other leg muscles.
    Learn more:
    Leg cramps are painful, involuntary muscle contractions that can last seconds or minutes. They affect your sleep, exercise routine and general quality of life. Some conditions and drugs can cause them, and there are risk factors you’ll want to avoid. When a cramp happens, try flexing the muscle, applying heat or ice and massaging the area.

    Leg Cramps at Night: Causes, Pain Relief …

    my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14170-leg-c…
    A muscle spasm — also known as a charley horse, muscle cramp or twitch — is a sudden, involuntary movement in one or more muscles. Common causes include stress, exercise, or dehydration, but nerve disorders and thyroid problems may increase the risk. These movements can happen in any muscle of the body, but often affect the calf muscle.

    Muscle spasms: Causes, symptoms, and t…

    www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/muscle-spasms
    Stretching can be particularly helpful at relieving a muscle spasm. Other home treatments like massage, using ice and heat, and staying hydrated may help, too. Muscle spasms or cramps are fairly common and most frequently occur in the leg muscles. But any muscles, including your back, hands, feet, or toes can spasm.

    9 Muscle Spasm Treatments to Try and L…

    www.healthline.com/health/muscle-spasm-treatment

    Leg cramps can occur in several leg muscles, but they most commonly affect the:

    • gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, which are at the back of the calf
    • quadriceps, at the front of the thigh
    • hamstrings, at the back of the thigh

    What causes leg cramps? Treatment and …

    www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-causes …
  3. People also ask
    What are some common muscle spasms?
    Back spasms. Arm spasms. Leg cramps and charley horses. Neck spasms. Chest cramps. Abdomen cramps. Ribcage spasms. Who gets muscle spasms? Muscle spasms can happen to anyone at any time. They can occur when you walk, sit, exercise or sleep. Some people are prone to muscle spasms and get them regularly with any type of physical exertion.

    Muscle Spasms (Muscle Cramps): Causes, Treatment & Prevention

    my.clevelandclinic.org
    What are the causes of leg spasms?

    Dr. Rinta M Babu

    MBBS · 2 years of exp

    Leg spasms occur due to various reasons. Mainly it includes dehydration. Others include low calcium levels. This can cause spasms and numbness.
    Q&A: Leg Spasms
    bing.com
    What causes muscle spasms?
    Muscle pain, fatigue, and overuse are the most common causes of muscle spasms. Other causes include stress or anxiety, which can lead to muscle twitches in the face. Trapped nerves can result in spasms in the back. Athletes who do not warm up before exercise or exercise in very hot conditions may also experience muscle spasms.

    Muscle spasms: Causes, symptoms, and treatment - Medical News Today

    medicalnewstoday.com
    What causes muscle spasms in a calf?
    Other causes include stress or anxiety, which can lead to muscle twitches in the face. Trapped nerves can result in spasms in the back. Athletes who do not warm up before exercise or exercise in very hot conditions may also experience muscle spasms. Charley horse, for example, is a term people often use to describe spasms in runners’ calf muscles.

    Muscle spasms: Causes, symptoms, and treatment - Medical News Today

    medicalnewstoday.com
    What does a muscle spasm feel like?
    Muscle spasms can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, it might feel like your muscle is jumping around on its own. Sometimes, you might even see your muscle twitching. In severe cases, it might feel like your entire muscle stiffens up into a tight ball. (This happens a lot with leg cramps.)

    Muscle Spasms (Muscle Cramps): Causes, Treatment & Prevention

    my.clevelandclinic.org
    What causes muscle cramps in legs at night?
    If you get cramps in your legs at night, try stretching right before bed. Limit caffeine and tobacco. Both are stimulants that can cause muscle cramps. Talk to your doctor about supplements. Sometimes, not getting enough of a certain vitamin (like vitamin D) or mineral (like calcium) can cause muscle cramps.

    7 Remedies for Muscle Cramps: What to Do and When to See a Doctor …

    webmd.com
    Feedback
  4. Medical News Today
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/...

    Muscle spasms: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

    Jan 26, 2024 · Muscle spasms are involuntary movements in one or more muscles, often in the legs. They can be painful or harmless, and they may have various causes, such as stress, dehydration, or nerve problems. Learn how to …

  5. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c…

    Muscle cramp - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

    Mar 7, 2023 · Learn about muscle cramps, a sudden, painful tightening of one or more muscles, especially in the leg. Find out what causes them, how to prevent them and when to see a doctor.

  6. Verywell Health
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/muscle …

    Muscle Spasm: One Body Part, All Over, How to Stop …

    Jun 9, 2024 · If you've ever felt a sudden, intense tightening in your muscles, you've experienced a muscle spasm, also referred to as a charley horse. These spasms, often felt in areas like the neck, legs, or back, can cause significant …

  7. WebMD
    https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/muscle...

    Charley Horse: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, & Prevention - WebMD

  8. WebMD
    https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/remedies...

    7 Remedies for Muscle Cramps: What to Do and When to See a …

  9. Healthline
    https://www.healthline.com/health/mus…

    9 Muscle Spasm Treatments to Try and Lots of Tips

    Mar 24, 2023 · Learn how to relieve muscle spasms in your legs and other areas with home remedies like stretching, massage, ice, heat, and hydration. Find out when to see a doctor and what causes muscle spasms.

  10. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...

    Muscle cramp - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

  11. Medical News Today
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what...

    What causes leg cramps? Treatment and prevention - Medical …

  12. Woman's World
    https://www.womansworld.com/wellness…

    How to Relieve Leg Pain at Night and Prevent Leg …

    3 days ago · “Leg cramps are different from restless legs syndrome,” explains Dr. Dasgupta. “Cramps are painful, sudden muscle spasms, while RLS is more of an annoying, restless feeling in your legs that makes you want to move them. …