US Medical Term · symptoms
Cramping
Calambres
Also: Cólicos (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Cramping |
| Spanish (Español) | Calambres |
| Chinese (中文) | 痙攣痛 |
| Korean (한국어) | 경련성 통증 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Chuột rút |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pamimilipit ng tiyan |
| Portuguese (Português) | Cãibras |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | อาการตะคริว |
| Japanese (日本語) | 痙攣 |
What it means
Cramping is a sudden, involuntary, and often painful muscle contraction or tightening. It can occur in skeletal muscles (such as a leg cramp at night) or in smooth muscles of the digestive tract or uterus. Abdominal cramping often accompanies diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, or menstruation. Muscle cramps may be caused by dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, overuse, or poor circulation. Cramps usually resolve quickly on their own; stretching, massage, heat, and staying hydrated can help. See a provider if cramps are severe, frequent, persist for a long time, occur in the chest, or are accompanied by swelling, redness, or skin changes in the affected area.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have severe cramping in my lower abdomen and it is getting worse.
Tengo calambres severos en la parte baja del abdomen y están empeorando.
My leg cramps up at night and it wakes me from sleep.
Mi pierna se acalambra por la noche y me despierta del sueño.
I am having menstrual cramps that are much worse than usual this month.
Tengo cólicos menstruales mucho peores que de costumbre este mes.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026