India, Dec. 30 -- Leg cramps are a fairly common experience among us all. Also known as a "charley horse," it is a sudden, involuntary, intense muscle spasm that is usually felt in the calf, foot or thigh.

The tendency to experience leg cramps increases with age. According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 60% of adults get leg cramps at night, compared to 40% children and teenagers.

The commonness of the phenomenon has brought the tendency to "walk it off" into the collective consciousness. However, Texas-based vascular surgeon Dr Rema Malik believes that the persistent nighttime cramps are not just signs of dehydration or low potassium, but rather classic distress signals from the vascular system.

Taking to Instagram on November 4, Dr M...