Muscle cramps

• During a calf cramp: gently stretch and massage; stand on the leg if safe. Stop if it markedly worsens the pain. [2]
• If they recur: regular calf stretching might reduce episodes. Note when they happen and whether medicines or pregnancy might play a part. [2]
• With warning signs: swelling, numbness or increasing weakness deserves assessment. A suddenly cold, pale and very painful leg is an emergency. [4] One painful, red or swollen leg needs prompt medical assessment. [5]

Overloading a muscle, ageing, later pregnancy, dehydration and medicines such as diuretics or statins can contribute; often no single cause is found. Record whether cramps happen during exertion, after exertion or at night and whether they disturb sleep. Ask a clinician about new symptoms after a medicine change, but do not stop a prescription yourself. Cramps alone cannot establish magnesium deficiency: other causes and non-cramp symptoms must be considered. [2]

Stretch the calf gently, massage it and, if safe, put weight on the affected leg. Most episodes also resolve without treatment. Do not force movement if pain sharply increases. [2]

Regular calf stretching may reduce future episodes but cannot guarantee prevention. Ordinary painkillers act too slowly for the active cramp; they may help later soreness if suitable for you. Discuss pregnancy cramps with your maternity team. [2] [3]

In trials mainly involving older adults, magnesium was unlikely to meaningfully prevent ordinary cramps. Pregnancy studies were small and conflicting; suitable exercise-cramp studies were absent. A diagnosed magnesium deficiency is a different clinical question. [1] [3]

A cramp is not a mineral deficiency test. Look at the pattern, medicines and other symptoms, and discuss repeated episodes with a clinician. [2]

See a clinician when leg cramps disturb sleep, last longer than ten minutes, or come with numbness or swelling, as the NHS advises. [2] Get ongoing pain on walking or weakness assessed. One-sided pain with redness or swelling needs prompt medical assessment; if breathlessness or chest pain occurs too, seek emergency help. [5] A suddenly cold, pale limb with severe pain calls for emergency care (112 in the Netherlands, otherwise the local emergency number). [4]