Muscle Cramps: Symptoms & Signs

Medically Reviewed on9/10/2019

Amuscle crampis an involuntary contraction of a muscle without relaxation afterward. Normal movement involves alternation of contraction and relaxation of the muscles of the body. Muscles that stabilize the body, like those of the head, trunk, and neck, work similarly. When a muscle contracts involuntarily, it is referred to as a spasm; a forceful and prolonged spasm becomes a cramp.

Symptoms of a muscle cramp include localpainat the site of the cramp, which can be severe, and firmness or tenderness of the involved muscle. Any muscle can develop a cramp, but the most common sites formuscle crampsare in the legs. The most commonly involved muscle groups are the back of the lower leg/calf, the back of the thigh (hamstrings), and the front of the thigh (quadriceps).

Related Symptoms & Signs

Other causes of muscle cramps

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References
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds.Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.
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