What should I do about leg cramps?

ACS Answer

Leg cramps or spasms are a painful tightening of the muscles in the leg. Staying in bed for long periods of time may cause muscles in the legs or feet to cramp. Other causes of cramping are pressure on the calf muscles or on the back of the knee, too much phosphorus, too little calcium, or too little potassium in the body.

What to look for

• Pain and discomfort in a leg or foot accompanied by tightness and stiffness
• Difficulty moving a foot or pain when moving a foot or leg

What to do

• Change positions frequently.
• If you are bedridden, use a bed cradle (a support at the end of the bed that holds up the blanket) to protect your legs and feet from the weight of bed clothes.
• Move your legs in bed by bending and straightening them 10 times, twice a day, or as many times as you can.
• Use muscle relaxants, if prescribed by the doctor.
• Apply heat to legs that are cramping, if allowed by the doctor.
• Massage your legs, if allowed by the doctor.
• Keep your legs warm.
• Try pointing your toes or walking around.
• Follow the doctor's instructions for correcting any imbalances in calcium, potassium, or phosphorus.

Do not

• Get too tired or tense
• Sit or lie in a way that puts pressure on the back of the knees or on the calf muscles
• Stay in one position for too long

Call the doctor about any of the following fymptoms

• Cramping that is not relieved by heat or massage
• Cramping that continues for more than 6-8 hours
• Red, swollen, or hot foot or leg

Related Resources

Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.

Recommended Consultation

You should consider discussing this question with your doctor or health care team.

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