Final answer:
A blocked artery can cause leg cramps due to insufficient blood flow caused by muscle spasms or narrowing of the artery. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition where the arteries in the legs become narrow due to atherosclerosis, which can also cause leg pain during exercise.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a leg cramp occurs, a blocked artery can play a role. This is because exercise or severe stress can cause the smooth muscle in the walls of the artery to spasm or narrow, leading to insufficient blood flow to the leg muscles. Additionally, peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition where the arteries in the legs become narrow due to atherosclerosis. This can result in leg pain, known as intermittent claudication, when walking.