The common name "cramp" often refers to the sudden contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle, causing pain in the calf.

Zhubing Yuanhou Lun‧cholera muscle cramp section: "When cholera causes muscle cramps, it is due to cold qi entering the tendons. The tendons of the three yin and three yang meridians of the foot originate from the toes; the tendons of the three yang and three yin meridians of the hand originate from the fingers, and they all follow the network of the body. After severe vomiting and purgation in cholera, there is a deficiency of both yin and yang, and the blood and qi are extremely deficient, leading to reversal cold of the hands and feet, and the failure to regulate the nutritive and defensive qi. When cold attacks the tendons, it causes the tendons to twist. If the cold enters the three yin and three yang meridians of the foot, it causes the tendons of the foot to twist; if it enters the three yin and three yang meridians of the hand, it causes the tendons of the hand to twist."