Leg cramps, also called charley horses, are involuntary muscle spasms that typically occur suddenly and for no apparent reason. They often happen at night and can be excruciatingly painful -- painful enough to wake you out of a sound sleep.

Hip osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition caused by wearing down of the cartilage, or padding, in your hip joint. Walking causes severe pain as the bones in this ball-and-socket joint rub together. Joint replacement surgery is performed to decrease pain and improve mobility.

The spinal column consists of a series of small bones called vertebrae. Between each vertebra is an area of soft tissue called a disc, which acts as a cushion. When a disc becomes herniated, or slipped, it sticks out and causes pressure on the nerves near the backbone.

Stress fractures are small cracks in bones caused by overuse. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, stress fractures are one of the most common injuries in sports and are caused by overuse of muscles that are too tired to absorb more shock.

Many different types of oral medications help treat type II diabetes, and some may produce side effects such as swelling. If your legs swell when you take diabetes medications, call your doctor. He may need to change medicines.

The calf, or lower leg, consists of two major muscles: the gastrocnemius -- the large muscle on the back of the calf -- and the soleus -- the smaller muscle that runs underneath the gastrocnemius. Calf muscle tears, or strains, are common in athletes with tight calf muscles.

If you are having pain in your inner thigh or the lower portion of your outer hip, you may have pulled or strained your sartorius muscle. It is common for this muscle to become tight because it is involved in many leg movements. It is important to understand how this muscle works.

Back pain can strike anyone, at any point in life. In the U.S., it is the most frequent excuse for missed work and the most common pain complaint. If you have concrete flooring at your job or home, the etiology of your back pain could stem from walking on those hard floors.

Low muscle tone, also known as floppy baby syndrome or hypotonia, is a developmental disorder that occurs in babies and children, and can cause severe delays in coordination, strength and movement. It can coexist with muscle weakness, breathing and speech difficulties as well as poor reflexes.

Lower back pain can be caused by tweaked muscles or strain to the SI joint and lower back fascia. The muscles of the lower back can often be injured if the core isn't strong enough, or the hands aren't placed behind the tail bone during leg raises.

When trying to improve your health on a small budget, pushups can become a quick way to work the arms, shoulders and chest without having to invest in exercise equipment or a pricey gym membership.

Swimming offers a low-impact workout if you have bad knees. Unlike weight-bearing activities that place stress on your knees as your feet hit the hard surface, swimming allows you to move through the water without placing much pressure on the knee.