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What is a cramp?
The muscle suddenly contracts without your control. It may feel hard, then remain tender afterwards.
People also describe strains, nerve pain or thrombosis as a cramp. The word alone does not identify the cause.
Chapter sources [1]
Understand the picture
Consider the context
Brief contraction
The muscle tightens involuntarily.
Relaxation
The episode ends, sometimes leaving tenderness.
Unusual change
Swelling, weakness or persistent pain needs advice.
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During and after
Typical cramps often last seconds to minutes, sometimes leaving soreness.
Continuous unusual pain or swelling should not simply be watched as though it were an ordinary cramp.
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Night-time and exercise patterns
Nocturnal cramps disturb sleep. Exercise cramps occur in another context, sometimes with fatigue or heat.
Record timing and preceding activity to distinguish an isolated episode from a recurring problem.
Possible contributors
Exertion, dehydration, medicines or illness may contribute; often there is no single clear explanation.
Do not stop prescribed treatment yourself. Bring a medication and supplement list to discuss.
Chapter sources [1]
When to seek prompt advice
A newly swollen, warm or painful leg needs same-day advice. With breathlessness or chest pain, call 112.
Seek assessment for associated weakness, numbness, unusually long episodes or frequent sleep disruption too.
Chapter sources [3]
Easing a familiar cramp
Stop and get into a safe position. Gently lengthening the muscle may help; draw the foot towards you for a calf cramp.
Avoid sudden movements. Light massage may suit a familiar cramp, but not unexplained calf swelling or a fresh tear.
Fluids and effort
Drink according to your needs, activity and medical instructions. Adjust intensity and breaks in hot conditions.
Extra fluid does not treat every cramp. Follow any individual fluid restriction.
Chapter sources [1]
In everyday life
Waking with a familiar cramp
Stay safe
Avoid rushing out of bed in darkness.
Ease gently
Try a comfortable stretch without jerking.
Track recurrence
Discuss episodes that repeatedly interrupt sleep.
Chapter sources [1]
What about magnesium?
Cochrane found clinically meaningful benefit unlikely for idiopathic cramps in older adults. Pregnancy evidence remains uncertain.
Evidence does not establish benefit for all athletes. Supplements are not automatic treatment and can have adverse effects.
Chapter sources [4]
What ongoing care can offer
Suitable movement or stretching may be tried for night cramps, judging changes in frequency and sleep.
Persistent problems need assessment of possible causes. Do not start quinine or other medicines without a medical decision.
Chapter sources [1]
Preparing a consultation
Record frequency, duration, location, medicines and associated symptoms, including new activity, illness or pregnancy.
The clinician decides which tests are useful. An isolated cramp does not routinely require testing every mineral.
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Your questions
Is magnesium always useful?
No. Benefit is not established for most night cramps in older adults and depends on the context.
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Should I drink several extra litres?
No. Match drinks to needs and any medical restrictions; excess is not a universal treatment.
Chapter sources [1]
Can I stretch before bed?
A gentle trial may be appropriate for known cramps. Stop if it causes new pain.
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What if my calf stays swollen?
Seek prompt medical advice. A familiar cramp should not explain away new swelling.
Chapter sources [3]
Sources and references
- [1] NHS: Leg cramps
- [2] Assurance Maladie: Crampes, que faire et quand consulter ?
- [3] NHS: DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
- [4] Cochrane: Magnesium for muscle cramps (2020)
- [5] NHS: Compartment syndrome
- [6] CGDIS: Appeler le 112
Text updated on
Medical review: awaiting Hasib Selimovic.