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Muscle cramps - Overview

Alternative Names

Cramps - muscle

Definition of Muscle cramps:

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

Considerations:

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.

Common Causes:

Muscle spasms can cause cramps and are usually brought on by the following:

  • Reviewed last on: 7/21/2006
  • Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
     
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