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Some people get muscle cramps, especially leg cramps, at night. They can be painful, and they may last a few seconds to several minutes. Muscle cramps are usually harmless, and they go away after a few minutes. But you should contact your health care provider if the cramps. You usually don't need treatment for muscle cramps.

You may be able to find some relief from cramps by. If another medical problem is causing the cramps, treating that problem will likely help. There are medicines that providers sometimes prescribe to prevent cramps, but they are not always effective and may cause side effects.

Talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of medicines. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Though generally harmless, muscle cramps can make it temporarily impossible to use the affected muscle. Long periods of exercise or physical labor, particularly in hot weather, can lead to muscle cramps. Some medications and certain medical conditions also may cause muscle cramps.

You usually can treat muscle cramps at home with self-care measures. Most muscle cramps develop in the leg muscles, particularly in the calf. Besides the sudden, sharp pain, you might also feel or see a hard lump of muscle tissue beneath your skin. Muscle cramps usually disappear on their own and are rarely serious enough to require medical care. Physiology and pathophysiology of musculoskeletal tissues.

Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap 1. Updated by: Linda J. Editorial team. Charley horse. Things that might bring on a muscle spasm include: Exercising when you have not had enough fluids you're dehydrated. Having low levels of minerals such as potassium or calcium. Exams and Tests. Outlook Prognosis. When to Contact a Medical Professional. Call your provider if: You have a muscle spasm with severe pain. You have weakness with your muscle spasm. You have a muscle spasm that does not stop and it spreads to other parts of the body.

In some cases, medication may be helpful. Got a quirky health question? Email it to us and we may answer it on the blog! Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice.

If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider. Learn More Opens in a new window.