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Get help if your cramps happen often and disturb your sleep

	Leg cramp pain comes on suddenly. You'll probably feel a sharp pain that might wake you from your sleep, and it may be sore for up to 24 hours.ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you find treatments for leg cramps that work well.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today to find out whether medication, a support device or nutritional supplements rate best for treating leg cramps.

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating leg cramps. Our clear and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose the best treatment options.

Key points for people with leg cramps

• People who get leg cramps feel a sudden pain in their leg, often at night.
• Leg cramps occur when a muscle or group of muscles suddenly tightens.
• Most cramps happen in calf muscles, but you can also get cramps in your thigh or in your foot.
• Being middle-aged or older, exercising, an imbalance of minerals (electrolytes), problems with blood circulation, or being pregnant may all lead to leg cramps.
• Leg cramps may be a side effect of certain medications.

Leg cramps can disturb your sleep. But they aren't likely to cause any serious problems. They usually go away quite suddenly, on their own. Massaging or stretching your leg when you get a cramp might stop your pain. But if your leg cramps happen often and they disturb your sleep, there are treatments that might help.

Our concise condition report and treatment ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which treatment for leg cramps is right for you. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.