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Muscle pain
Leg cramps
Leg muscle pain
My mouth is dry
Muscle cramps
Pain in the calf muscles
My muscles are sore
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Leg Cramps?
Leg cramps are episodes of sudden pain in leg muscles caused by involuntary contractions (shortening) of the leg muscle. Most leg cramps happen in the calf muscles and, less commonly, in the feet and thighs.
Typical Symptoms of Leg Cramps
- Leg cramps
- Muscle pain in legs
- Muscle pain
- Calf pain
- Pain when exerting physically e.g. climbing the stairs
- History of diabetes or pre-diabetes
- Dry mouth
- Numbness or tingling
Diagnostic Questions for Leg Cramps
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Have you experienced leg cramps lately?
- Are you having muscle pain in your legs?
- Are you experiencing muscle pain?
- Are you experiencing calf pain?
- Does pain improve with rest but worsen with movement?
Treatment of Leg Cramps
Stretching, massaging, or applying heat or cold may provide relief. Some medications may help prevent recurrent leg cramps, depending on the underlying condition.
Reviewed By:
Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)
Dr.Patel serves as Center Medical Director and a Primary Care Physician at Oak Street Health in Arizona. She graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine prior to working in clinical research focused on preventive medicine at the University of Illinois and the University of Nevada. Dr. Patel earned her MSc in Global Health from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. She went on to complete her Family Medicine residency in Chicago at Norwegian American Hospital before completing a fellowship in Leadership in Value-based Care in conjunction with the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, where she earned her MBA. Dr. Patel’s interests include health tech and teaching medical students and she currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
Scott Nass, MD, MPA, FAAFP, AAHIVS (Primary Care)
Dr. Nass received dual medical degrees from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Charles R. Drew University in Medicine and Science. He completed Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center with subsequent fellowships at Ventura, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, George Washington University, and University of California-Irvine. He holds faculty appointments at Keck School of Medicine of USC, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, and Western University of Health Sciences.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Cramps in my feet
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- Burning sensation in the muscles
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- Pain in the abdominal muscles
- Aching in calf even when resting
- Pain in the stomach muscle
- Calf hurts even when I don't move it
- Burning muscle pain
- Calf muscle pain
- Muscle aches
- Pain in the back of my leg
- Pain in the chest muscles
See full list
Symptoms Related to Leg Cramps
Diseases Related to Leg Cramps
FAQs
Q.
Muscle Spasms Won’t Stop? How Robaxin Works & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Robaxin (methocarbamol) calms central nervous system signals that drive acute muscle spasms, often easing symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes, but it works best short term as part of a broader plan and does not treat the underlying cause. Next steps can include re-evaluating for root causes, optimizing hydration and electrolytes, physical therapy, adjusting medications, improving ergonomics, and watching for urgent red flags like weakness or bowel or bladder changes. There are several factors to consider; see the complete details below to choose the right path for your situation.
References:
* See S, Ginzburg R. Pharmacology of skeletal muscle relaxants: mechanism of action and adverse effects. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2008 Jun;7(3):343-55. doi: 10.1517/14740338.7.3.343. PMID: 18557870.
* AbdelShafy A, Sadiq H, Salih A, Ali A, Ali G, Hashmi M. Skeletal muscle relaxants in the treatment of acute low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Med. 2022 Dec;54(1):285-296. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2029705. PMID: 35057778; PMCID: PMC8790117.
* Cashin AG, Bagg MK, Verhagen AP, Maher CG, McAuley JH. Systematic review of the efficacy and safety of skeletal muscle relaxants for pain in the general population. Eur J Pain. 2021 Oct;25(9):1903-1919. doi: 10.1002/ejp.1822. Epub 2021 Jul 26. PMID: 34297805.
* Brilley M, Cashin AG, Bagg MK, Verhagen AP, Maher CG, McAuley JH. Skeletal muscle relaxants for musculoskeletal pain in adults: an overview of Cochrane reviews. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Sep 12;9(9):CD014792. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD014792. PMID: 36093551; PMCID: PMC9467610.
* Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA; Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017 Apr 4;166(7):514-530. doi: 10.7326/M16-2367. Epub 2017 Feb 14. PMID: 28192789.
Q.
Muscle Spasms? Why Robaxin Works + Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Robaxin (methocarbamol) relieves acute muscle spasms by calming central nervous system reflexes and works best short term when paired with rest, gentle movement, ice or heat, hydration, stretching, and sometimes NSAIDs; benefits are modest and sedation is common, so be cautious with driving and alcohol. There are several factors to consider. See below to understand when it is appropriate, who should avoid it, how to address leg cramp triggers like electrolytes, when to use physical therapy, and which red flags need urgent care so you can choose the right next steps.
References:
* See S, Ghouri V, Marwaha R, et al. Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: A Comparative Review of Their Mechanism of Action and Clinical Efficacy. J Clin Pharmacol. 2018 Sep;58 Suppl 1:S109-S123. doi: 10.1002/jcph.1250. PMID: 30129082.
* Friedman BW, Dym AA, Irizarry E, et al. Muscle relaxants for pain management: an updated review. Am J Ther. 2021 Jan/Feb;28(1):e8-e15. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0000000000001099. PMID: 32669466.
* Pinto D, De Luca R, Scialabba F, et al. Methocarbamol for the Treatment of Acute Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review. Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2018 Apr 10;10(1):7470. doi: 10.4081/or.2018.7470. eCollection 2018 Apr 3. PMID: 29770146.
* Esquenazi A, Ward AB. Nonpharmacologic Approaches to the Treatment of Muscle Spasticity and Spasms. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2019 Feb;30(1):213-228. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2018.08.006. PMID: 30466858.
* Ford M, Pizzo WD. Differential diagnosis and management of leg cramps. Am Fam Physician. 2017 Aug 1;96(3):168-175. PMID: 28762744.
Q.
Muscle Spasms? Why Your Nerves Are Overfiring + Tizanidine Medical Next Steps
A.
Muscle spasms often happen because nerves are overfiring, commonly from dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, overuse, or nerve irritation, and many people improve with hydration, electrolytes, gentle stretching, heat, and targeted physical therapy. Tizanidine can quiet central nerve signals and relieve spasticity or persistent spasms, but it is not first line for simple cramps and carries risks like drowsiness, low blood pressure, liver effects, and important drug interactions, so dosing and monitoring matter. There are several factors to consider, and key red flags and next steps are outlined below.
References:
* Blyton F, Howard ME, Prichard R, Phillips C, Epstein M, Rajaratnam SM, Mainwaring G. Muscle cramp pathophysiology: current understanding and future directions. Eur Respir Rev. 2021 Mar 31;30(160):200242. doi: 10.1183/16000617.0242-2020. PMID: 33795034; PMCID: PMC8004746.
* Taricco M, Adami S, Lazzarin P, Rota E, Malchiodi L, Gatti R. Pharmacological treatment of muscle spasticity: A review. J Clin Med. 2022 Dec 17;11(24):7496. doi: 10.3390/jcm11247496. PMID: 36556013; PMCID: PMC9782537.
* Hanisch F, Hefter H. Hyperexcitability of the peripheral nervous system: Clinical features, diagnostic tests, and underlying mechanisms. J Clin Neurosci. 2016 Oct;32:1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2016.03.003. Epub 2016 Mar 26. PMID: 27125368.
* Ghanem AM, El-Ansary M. Tizanidine: a review of its pharmacology, efficacy, and safety in musculoskeletal pain. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2020 Dec;21(18):2251-2263. doi: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1804705. Epub 2020 Aug 17. PMID: 32777977.
* Kim JM, Oh KW, Kim SH, Kim YE, Kim JW, Park DS. Effect of tizanidine on muscle cramps in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Neurol. 2011 Nov;18(11):e148-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2011.03362.x. PMID: 21489063.
Q.
Magnesium Benefits for Women 65+: Sleep Better & Stop Leg Cramps
A.
Magnesium can help many women 65+ sleep better and cut nighttime leg cramps by calming the nervous system, supporting melatonin and GABA, and helping muscles relax. There are several factors to consider: aim for about 320 mg daily from food first, consider gentle forms like magnesium glycinate if needed, and check medicines and kidney or heart conditions because cramps and sleep issues can signal other problems; see below for food lists, supplement pros and cons, safety limits, and when to call a doctor.
References:
* Abbasi B, Mirzaei M, Mirzaei M. Magnesium and sleep: an update. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2021;32(6):639-645. doi: 10.1515/jbcpp-2021-0026. PMID: 34164287.
* Abbasi B, Mirzaei M, Mirzaei M. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Res Med Sci. 2012 Dec;17(12):1161-9. PMID: 23853625.
* Marshall NS, Spies JM, McGregor A. Magnesium for treating restless legs syndrome and nocturnal leg cramps: A systematic review. Sleep Med Rev. 2020 Aug;52:101309. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101309. Epub 2020 Apr 18. PMID: 32669469.
* Sebo P, Herrmann FR, Haller DM. The effect of magnesium on nocturnal leg cramps: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fam Pract. 2019 Sep 26;36(5):519-526. doi: 10.1093/fampra/cmz028. PMID: 31086259.
* Volpe SL. Magnesium: Its Role in Human Health and Contribution to Health Improvement of an Ageing Population. Curr Nutr Food Sci. 2019;15(4):307-313. doi: 10.2174/1573401315666190124160451. PMID: 31697285.
Q.
Naproxen for Women: Managing Cramps and Joint Pain
A.
Naproxen can effectively relieve menstrual cramps and joint or muscle pain in women by lowering prostaglandins and inflammation, offering longer-lasting relief than some alternatives when taken at the lowest effective dose with food. There are several factors to consider, including potential stomach, kidney, heart, and blood pressure risks, interactions with blood thinners, and pregnancy precautions, plus red flags like severe pelvic pain, heavy or irregular bleeding, joint redness or fever, or black stools that need medical attention; see below for detailed dosing tips, who should use caution, and how it compares with ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
References:
* Kriplani A, et al. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for heavy menstrual bleeding. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Jan 23;1(1):CD000171. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000171.pub3. PMID: 30675704; PMCID: PMC6353278.
* Du W, et al. Comparison of the efficacy and safety of different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2020 Apr;45(2):206-218. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.13063. Epub 2020 Jan 29. PMID: 32011746.
* Lanza FL. Efficacy and safety of naproxen and fixed-dose combinations of naproxen and esomeprazole in patients with osteoarthritis: A review. Clin Ther. 2016 May;38(5):1073-89. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2016.03.012. Epub 2016 Apr 8. PMID: 27063469.
* Lee YH, et al. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review of Efficacy and Safety. J Clin Rheumatol. 2017 Dec;23(8):441-447. doi: 10.1097/RHU.0000000000000595. PMID: 28609322.
* Rovira-Vilá F, et al. NSAID use for musculoskeletal pain in women with high cardiovascular risk: how to balance risk and benefit? Int J Rheum Dis. 2018 Sep;21 Suppl 1:11-15. doi: 10.1111/1756-185X.13322. PMID: 29873738.
Q.
Naproxen Over 65: Protecting Your Stomach & Kidneys
A.
If you are over 65 and taking naproxen, your risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding and kidney problems is higher; protect yourself by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, taking it with food, staying hydrated, and avoiding interacting drugs, and seek urgent care for black stools, vomiting blood, sudden swelling, or very low urine. There are several factors to consider that can change your next steps, including your other conditions, medication list, and options like acetaminophen or topical treatments; important monitoring and safety details are explained below.
References:
* Kincaid, C. A., & Goldberg, M. J. (2012). Gastrointestinal and renal toxicity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the elderly. *Drugs & Aging*, *29*(4), 283–291.
* Kim, A. I., Shah, P., & Singh, B. B. (2021). Acute Kidney Injury From Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. *Current Drug Safety*, *16*(2), 170–184.
* Laine, L. (2014). Strategies to minimize gastrointestinal toxicity from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a comprehensive review. *The American Journal of Gastroenterology*, *109*(6), 754–767.
* Veres, G., Lőrincz, A., Sipos, Z., & Pados, G. (2023). The safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in older adults: An updated narrative review. *Frontiers in Pharmacology*, *14*, 1247065.
* American Geriatrics Society Panel on the Pharmacological Management of Persistent Pain in Older Persons. (2019). Management of pain in older adults: A comprehensive review. *Journal of the American Geriatrics Society*, *67*(1), 133–154.
Q.
What foods can help prevent leg cramps? How about vitamins?
A.
Leg cramps, particularly nocturnal leg cramps, can be uncomfortable and disruptive. While the exact causes of leg cramps can vary, certain dietary choices and vitamins may help prevent them.
References:
Hooper Marosek SE, Antharam V, Dowlatshahi K. Quantitative Analysis of the Acetic Acid Content in Substances Used by Athletes for the Possible Prevention and Alleviation of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps. J Strength Cond Res. 2020 Jun;34(6):1539-1546. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003595. PMID: 32459412.
Maughan RJ, Shirreffs SM. Muscle Cramping During Exercise: Causes, Solutions, and Questions Remaining. Sports Med. 2019 Dec;49(Suppl 2):115-124. doi: 10.1007/s40279-019-01162-1. PMID: 31696455; PMCID: PMC6901412.
Tan J, Zhu R, Li Y, Wang L, Liao S, Cheng L, Mao L, Jing D. Vitamin K2 in Managing Nocturnal Leg Cramps: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2024 Dec 1;184(12):1443-1447. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.5726. PMID: 39466236; PMCID: PMC11581596.
Q.
What are some home remedies to stop leg cramps immediately?
A.
If you experience leg cramps, there are several effective home remedies you can try to relieve the discomfort immediately. These remedies can help relax the muscles and alleviate the cramping sensation.
References:
Riley JD, Antony SJ. Leg cramps: differential diagnosis and management. Am Fam Physician. 1995 Nov 1;52(6):1794-8. PMID: 7484689.
Allen RE, Kirby KA. Nocturnal leg cramps. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Aug 15;86(4):350-5. PMID: 22963024.
Mitsikostas, D. D., Thomas, A. M., & Gatzonis, S. D. (2010). The pathophysiology of medication overuse headache: The ‘neurochemical’ hypothesis revisited. ](https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181d0ccca)[_Neurology, 74_](https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181d0ccca)[(5), 398–399.
Q.
What are the causes of leg cramps at night?
A.
Leg cramps at night, also known as nocturnal leg cramps, can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle fatigue, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and certain medical conditions. Understanding these causes can help in managing and preventing these painful episodes.
References:
Hallegraeff J, de Greef M, Krijnen W, van der Schans C. Criteria in diagnosing nocturnal leg cramps: a systematic review. BMC Fam Pract. 2017 Feb 28;18(1):29. doi: 10.1186/s12875-017-0600-x. PMID: 28241802; PMCID: PMC5330021.
Monderer RS, Wu WP, Thorpy MJ. Nocturnal leg cramps. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2010 Jan;10(1):53-9. doi: 10.1007/s11910-009-0079-5. PMID: 20425227.
Allen RE, Kirby KA. Nocturnal leg cramps. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Aug 15;86(4):350-5. PMID: 22963024.
Q.
What are the side effects of kampo medicine?
A.
Kampo medicine, a traditional Japanese form of herbal medicine, can have side effects, similar to other forms of herbal and traditional medicine. While many people use Kampo for its therapeutic benefits, it is important to be aware of potential adverse effects, which can vary depending on the specific formulation and individual patient factors.
References:
Yu F, Takahashi T, Moriya J, Kawaura K, Yamakawa J, Kusaka K, Itoh T, Morimoto S, Yamaguchi N, Kanda T. Traditional Chinese medicine and Kampo: a review from the distant past for the future. J Int Med Res. 2006 May-Jun;34(3):231-9. doi: 10.1177/147323000603400301. PMID: 16866016.
Dai Z, Liao X, Wieland LS, Hu J, Wang Y, Kim TH, Liu JP, Zhan S, Robinson N. Cochrane systematic reviews on traditional Chinese medicine: What matters-the quantity or quality of evidence? Phytomedicine. 2022 Apr;98:153921. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153921. Epub 2022 Jan 10. PMID: 35104758; PMCID: PMC9741948.
Q.
What is the best drink to prevent muscle cramps? Are sports drinks effective for this?
A.
To prevent muscle cramps, the best drinks are those that help maintain hydration and replenish electrolytes. Sports drinks can be effective for this purpose, especially during prolonged exercise or in hot conditions, as they contain essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium. However, they also may contain quite a bit of extra sugar and calories as well.
References:
Earp JE, Stearns RL, Stranieri A, Agostinucci J, Lepley AS, Matson T, Ward-Ritacco CL. Electrolyte beverage consumption alters electrically induced cramping threshold. Muscle Nerve. 2019 Nov;60(5):598-603. doi: 10.1002/mus.26650. Epub 2019 Aug 12. PMID: 31350753.
Jung AP, Bishop PA, Al-Nawwas A, Dale RB. Influence of Hydration and Electrolyte Supplementation on Incidence and Time to Onset of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps. J Athl Train. 2005 Jun;40(2):71-75. PMID: 15970952; PMCID: PMC1150229.
Hooper Marosek SE, Antharam V, Dowlatshahi K. Quantitative Analysis of the Acetic Acid Content in Substances Used by Athletes for the Possible Prevention and Alleviation of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps. J Strength Cond Res. 2020 Jun;34(6):1539-1546. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003595. PMID: 32459412.
Q.
Why do I get leg cramps when I stretch in bed?
A.
Leg cramps during stretching in bed, often referred to as nocturnal leg cramps, can occur due to several factors, including muscle fatigue, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and certain medical conditions. Understanding these causes can help in managing and preventing cramps.
References:
Allen RE, Kirby KA. Nocturnal leg cramps. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Aug 15;86(4):350-5. PMID: 22963024.
Brown TM. Sleep-Related Leg Cramps: A Review and Suggestions for Future Research. Sleep Med Clin. 2015 Sep;10(3):385-92, xvi. doi: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2015.05.002. Epub 2015 Jun 14. PMID: 26329449.
Monderer RS, Wu WP, Thorpy MJ. Nocturnal leg cramps. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2010 Jan;10(1):53-9. doi: 10.1007/s11910-009-0079-5. PMID: 20425227.
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Young G. Leg cramps. BMJ Clin Evid. 2015 May 13;2015:1113. PMID: 25970567; PMCID: PMC4429847.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4429847/Allen RE, Kirby KA. Nocturnal leg cramps. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Aug 15;86(4):350-5. PMID: 22963024.
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2012/0815/p350.htmlYoung G. Leg cramps. BMJ Clin Evid. 2009 Mar 26;2009:1113. PMID: 19445755; PMCID: PMC2907778.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2907778/Muscle Cramp - Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscle-cramp/symptoms-causes/syc-20350820