A muscle cramp is a painful contraction or tightening of the muscles for a few seconds.
They happen when the cells in the muscle respire anaerobically. The glucose in the muscles is converted into lactic acid, and the lactic acid accumulation causes cramps.
By massage or using hot water, muscle cramps can be cured as massages and hot water improve blood circulation. Supplying oxygen to the muscle cells speeds up and completes the breakdown of lactic acid into carbon dioxide and water.