What causes cramp? A simple explanation

What to do when the cramp hits and which type is the most painful

Leg cramps are often caused by too much exercise (iStock)

Most of us will be familiar with that mysterious twinge that comes and goes, but what actually causes muscles to cramp?

Although the reason for some cramps is unknown, cramps can sometimes be caused by ageing, strenuous exercise, medication for cholesterol (statins) or high blood pressure (diuretics), dehydration and liver disease.

In different parts of the body, these can cause muscles to suddenly shorten and spasm, which can be painful but is more often than not harmless.

Leg cramps

The final stages of football matches often feature players sprawled on the turf with one leg in the air, while a teammate holds their foot. This is due to cramp in their calf or hamstring.

However, leg cramps are not exclusive to elite athletes, but can hit those leading more sedentary lifestyles. In fact, most people get them when resting or at night.

Once the twinge strikes, stretching the muscle is the best measure to take, which is why footballers grab the leg of their teammate in agony.

Regular stretching exercises, particularly of the calf muscle, which is the most likely to spasm, can also help prevent cramps.

Although paracetamol or ibuprofen won't help when cramp is happening as they take too long to work, they can help with muscle tenderness afterwards.

Menstrual cramps

The other common type of cramps is menstrual cramps, also known as period pains.

Dysmenorrhoea is the official term for menstrual cramps, is caused when the muscular wall of the uterus contracts, causing it to push against blood vessels, which cuts off the oxygen supply to the womb.

Dysmenorrhoea varies from person to person. In general, it manifests itself as an aching feeling in the lower abdomen, lower back, hips and thighs.

For some, it can develop into contraction-like spasms, but for others it is felt as a dull constant pain.

Despite a general lack of knowledge around period pain, there is more research being done into something that affects over half the population.

In 2016, scientists found that periods can cause women as much pain as heart attacks, even though doctors are often taught that ibuprofen is sufficient to combat such pains.

Stomach cramps

People often talk about having stomach cramps, but this is a non-specific term that is interchangeable with stomach ache.

Instead of resulting from muscle cramps in the stomach, stomach or abdominal pain can be caused by a wide variety of non serious and serious conditions. For more information, consult the NHS Choices website.

This article has been updated. It was originally published in December 2017.