A muscle cramp is a sudden, uncontrolled contraction of a muscle. This type of pain is most commonly experienced in the legs. Leg cramps usually last less than one minute, but may last several minutes before the contraction subsides.
The cause of a leg cramp usually involves the following:
- Muscle fatigue
- Over exertion
- Dehydration
The best treatment for leg cramps is to massage the area, stretch the muscles gently and in some cases apply something warm like a heat pad on the affected area. Doctors always recommend that to prevent such injuries patients should keep themselves hydrated; stretch regular and do not over exert the muscles.
