Muscle spasms (muscle cramps) are painful contractions and tightening of your muscles. They’re common, involuntary and unpredictable. Although there are steps you can take to prevent a muscle spasm and treat it when it attacks, those methods aren’t always dependable.

Mar 7, 2023 · Muscle cramps occur mostly in leg muscles, most often in the calf. Cramps usually last for seconds to minutes. After the cramp eases, the area might be sore for hours or days.

Jun 5, 2023 · Leg cramps are painful, involuntary muscle contractions that can last seconds or minutes. They can affect your sleep, exercise routine and general quality of life. Some medical conditions and drugs can cause them, and there are some risk factors you’ll want to avoid.

Mar 9, 2024 · Muscles Have a Mind of Their Own? You tell your muscles what to do without thinking about it. But sometimes they do their own thing -- they might pulse or contract and can’t relax. Twitches and...

Feb 6, 2024 · Nocturnal leg cramps are a tight, knotted feeling in your legs that happens at night. They can last several seconds to several minutes. If the cramp is severe, your muscle may be sore for...

Jan 26, 2024 · The spasms happen when the muscle suddenly moves involuntarily. Muscle spasms may feel like a slight twitch or a painful cramp, and they can occur in the muscles in any part of the body.

Apr 8, 2024 · Most cramps will go away on their own within a few minutes. Massaging or gently stretching the muscle will help it relax. If the cramp begins while lying or sitting, standing up may be all that is needed.

Mar 22, 2025 · What causes muscle spasms? During a spasm, a muscle contracts, which can feel like a tight cramp, knot or even a sharp twinge, explains Jaclyn Tolentino, DO, Lead Functional Medicine Practitioner at Love.Life.. The specific muscles most prone to spasms are the calves, hamstrings, feet and lower back muscles, especially as we get older, Dr. Tolentino notes.

Jun 9, 2024 · These spasms, often felt in areas like the neck, legs, or back, can cause significant discomfort. While they may seem similar to cramps, muscle spasms are distinct in their abrupt onset and intensity.

Mar 27, 2025 · Leg cramps or spasms are unpredictable in that they may vary in terms of intensity and duration, and come on suddenly, but they do have predictable causes that can lead prevention efforts. Muscles that cross two joints seem to be the most common to cramp up.