Leg cramps occur when an involuntary contraction of the calf muscle causes an uncontrollable spasm. Pain can be mild to severe.
Some people have frequent episodes while others have occasional ones.
The cause of benign leg cramps is unknown. However dehydration may play a role and leg cramps can be a side effect of many medications. Underlying medical problems, such as thyroid disease, may also contribute to the problem. Nocturnal leg cramps usually awaken the sufferer with a spasm-like pain in the calf like a charley horse. The incident lasts a few seconds or minutes and may be repeated throughout the night.