ADVICE FROM OUR WOMAN’S WEEKLY DOCTOR
Cramps usually affect the calf muscles but can occur in any muscle. Around 75% of cases occur at night when you’re asleep. During cramp, a muscle contracts, causing uncontrollable, acutely painful spasms lasting several minutes. Thigh muscle cramps tend to last the longest. It’s also common when resting after exercise. During a cramping episode, the affected muscles will become tight and painful, and the feet and toes will be stiff. After the cramps have passed, you may have pain and tenderness in your legs for several hours.
There may be no apparent reason (idiopathic leg cramps), although theories include dehydration
