Is this cramp?

[FestiveRoad]

Woken up at 4.30am with a sharp stab-like pain in a muscle in my lower rear thigh (towards the outside). I've had cramp occasionally over the years, but this pain is different. It's a very sharp stab like pain every 10-15 seconds, but nothing inbetween. Sometimes it is like a needle going into the muscle, sometimes it feels more like a knife and makes me jump.

I've tried stretching it gently (makes it worse). Resting (no change). Walking round (no change).

I've had some crackers (salt), some ibuprofen and a banana.

I've been drinking plenty & there is a reasonable amount of salt in my diet.

Has anyone else experienced this 'on/off' pain in a muscle?

Thanks.

DH had this last year and it was sciatica rather than cramp. It might be worth getting checked out as I wouldn't wish sciatica on my worst enemy.

Thanks, Pink.

As the pain is on and off, dh did mention a squeezed nerve or similar. The stabbing pain is still there, although it is bearable. I took some diclofenac an hour ago, so maybe that will settle it.

I did some housework yesterday, carrying the hoover up & down stairs, so I'm wondering if I've aggravated something in my back. I didn't make the connection straight away as my back feels fine.

I'll think twice about getting the hoover out next time!