Cramp is a spasm and involuntary contraction of a muscle. Though muscle cramp can be quite painful, it is usually harmless. People who do not exercise often enough or who abruptly increase the amount they exercise may experience a muscle cramp during or even some time after a workout.
Heat cramp is muscle cramp caused by sweating.
Parts affected Any muscle may become cramped from strenuous or continued repetitious exertion. Cramps in the feet , legs, abdomen, arms, and hands are all fairly common. Even people who wear high heels for the first time may get a muscle cramp. Related symptoms Cramp caused by physical activity usually is accompanied by a sharp or aching pain and a slight bulging of the affected muscle. With heat cramp the patient may also have a weak pulse and dilated pupils.