Learn about Leg cramps symptoms from Consumer Reports Health.

Leg cramps

What are the symptoms of leg cramps?

You'll probably feel a sharp pain that might wake you from your sleep. This happens most often in the calf muscle.

Here are some of the signs of a leg cramp:

The main symptom is pain that comes on suddenly
You will probably feel your calf muscle hardening
The pain from the muscle tightening (contracting) can last for just a few seconds or up to 10 minutes

Source:
Mandal AK, Abernathy T, Melluri SN, et al.
Is quinine effective and safe in leg cramps?
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 1995; 35: 588-593.

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Your muscle might be sore for up to 24 hours afterward
Only one leg is usually affected.

Sources for the information on this page:

Mandal AK, Abernathy T, Melluri SN, et al.Is quinine effective and safe in leg cramps?Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 1995; 35: 588-593.

This information was last updated on Apr 09, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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