What causes cramps in the legs and feet?

The actual cause cramps in the legs and feet is not known, but it may be caused by conditions or activities such as overuse of muscles, dehydration, nerve compression, mineral deficiency and cold weather, according to Mayo Clinic. Cramps may occur while asleep, in the morning or during physical activity.

There is no specific remedy for muscle cramps, but there are several ways of stopping them. Such measures include massaging the muscle, relaxing the muscle with warm water, taking a painkiller, and drinking plenty of fluids, claims WebMD. Elderly people are at higher risk of muscle cramps because they lose muscle mass, making the muscles easily overstressed.