FYI if you ever get leg cramp, completely straighten your leg, and flex your feet upwards, towards your shin. This will stretch your leg muscles and stop the pain almost immediately.
Used to happen to me quite a few times, esp. when being a kid doing lot of sports. Once I was afraid I would drown when getting leg cramp in the pool, but this method saved me.
Were your cramps so strong you could not control your muscles anymore? Asking about the pool thing. I have often had leg cramps and I retained full motor control.