Whats the difference between leg cramps and actual leg pain? my pain lasts only few minutes when it happens. no longer than 10 minutes. it happens at random times especially while walking after getting out of bed or while in bed. thanks

Cramps,pain: Muscle cramps are sudden spastic contractions of a muscle that can last a minute or two and leave behind a full ache. In my opinion, leg pain has a less dramatic onset, tends to be more steady and could be from muscle, bone or nerve. It usually occurs in the same problematic area. This is not a clear cut answer,though. Where in the leg exactly does your pain occur and should it be investigated?