Muscle cramps are involuntary and often painful movements (contractions) of the muscles.

The most commonly involved muscle groups are:

• Back of the lower leg/calf (gastrocnemius)
• Back of the thigh (hamstrings)
• Front of the thigh (quadriceps)

Cramps in the feet, hands, arms, abdomen, and along the rib cage are also very common.

Cramps - muscle

Muscle cramps are common and may be stopped by stretching the muscle. The cramping muscle may feel hard or bulging.

Muscle spasms are different than muscle twitches, which are covered in a separate article.

Muscle cramps often occur when a muscle is overused or injured. Working out when you haven't had enough fluids (you're dehydrated) or when you have low levels of minerals such as potassium or calcium can also make you more likely to have a muscle spasm.

Muscle cramps can occur while you play tennis or golf, bowl, swim, or do any other exercise.

Muscle spasms can also be brought on by the following conditions:

• Alcoholism
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney failure
• Medications
• Metabolic problems
• Pregnancy

Images

Triceps stretch

Hip stretch

Chest stretch

Thigh stretch

Hamstring stretch

Groin stretch

Review Date: 07/23/2010
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)