Leg cramps
The cause of leg cramps iss ometimes unknown (idiopathic). In other cases, there may be an underlying condition or another identifiable cause.
Although the cause of idiopathic leg cramps is unknown, there are a number of theories about what might cause idiopathic leg cramps. These include:
Also, tendons naturally shorten over time as a person gets older, which may explainwhy older peopleare particularly affected by leg cramps. Tendons are tough bands of tissue that connect muscles to bone. If yourtendons become too short, they may cause the muscles connected to them to cramp.
Secondary leg cramps are caused byan underlying condition or anotheridentifiable cause. Theseinclude:
Certain medications have been known to cause leg cramps in a small number of people. These include:
Contact your GP if you thinkyour medication may be causing your leg cramps asyour dosagemay need to be adjusted. Never stop taking a prescribed medication unless your GP or another qualified healthcare professional who is responsible for your care advises you to do so.
Leg cramps are a common condition where the muscles in the leg suddenly become tight and painful.
A leg cramp is an episode of sudden and severe pain in the muscles of the leg caused by an involuntary contracting (shortening) of the leg muscle.
The cause of leg cramps is sometimes unknown (idiopathic). In other cases, there may be an underlying condition or another identifiable cause.
If the cause of your leg cramps is known, treating the underlying cause to relieve your symptoms may be possible.