Learn about the different types of muscle cramps , such as true cramps , tetany, contractures, and dystonic cramps , and what causes them. Find out how to diagnose, treat, and prevent muscle cramps with home remedies and medication. Learn some quick and effective home remedies and medical treatments to help ease your muscle cramp symptoms and speed up your recovery A muscle cramp can happen after working a muscle too hard or straining it, losing body fluids through sweat or simply holding a position for a long time. Often, however, the cause isn't known. A muscle cramp (charley horse) is a sudden, brief, involuntary, painful contraction of a muscle or group of muscles . Cramps commonly occur in healthy people (usually middle-aged and older adults), sometimes during rest, but particularly during or after exercise or at night (including during sleep).
