.... a contracture is when the muscles on both "sides" or opposing muscles all spasm at the same time, thus for the foot, the top muscles pull it wanting it to curl UP and the under muscles pull it, wanted to curl it UNDER and thus the whole foot goes into a "knot" of severe pain. I didn't get them this time (whew.) Sometimes having a sip of quinine water helps.. also with "restless leg" and calf muscle spasms.... Usually I slap the TENS electrodes on the muscles and crank it up on high till the spasming eases..