Drink Muscle cramp causes of fluids. However, hand or foot Amino acid digestion, as vauses as cramps in the feet, arms and abdomen are also common. Statin drugs, on the other hand, can cause constant muscle aches, but they rarely trigger cramps. Neuromuscular disorders. Research Faculty.

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What Is The Cause Of Your Muscle Cramp?

Muscle cramp causes -

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Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. What is a muscle cramp? Symptoms of muscle cramp Minerals and electrolytes Risk factors for muscle cramp Muscle cramp associated with medical conditions Treatment options for muscle cramp Prevention strategies Where to get help.

Symptoms of muscle cramp The symptoms of a muscle cramp include: sudden sensation of uncontrollable and painful spasms in the muscle muscle twitching. Minerals and electrolytes Muscle tissue relies, in part, on a range of minerals, electrolytes and other chemicals in order to contract and relax.

Risk factors for muscle cramp The exact cause of muscle cramp is not known, but risk factors may include: tight, inflexible muscles poor physical condition poor muscle tone inadequate diet physical overexertion physical exertion of cold muscles muscle injury muscle fatigue excessive perspiration dehydration — caused by, for example, a bout of gastroenteritis reduced blood supply ischaemia wearing high-heeled shoes for lengthy periods.

Muscle cramp associated with medical conditions Certain diseases or conditions may increase the risk of muscle cramp, including: Atherosclerosis — a condition characterised by narrowed arteries due to the formation of fatty plaques. Muscles are more likely to cramp if their blood supply is inadequate.

Sciatica — pain in the buttock and leg caused by pressure on nerves in the lower back. In some cases, the irritated nerve may prompt the associated muscles to contract. Medications — some medical conditions require the regular use of fluid pills diuretics.

Treatment options for muscle cramp Most muscle cramps resolve after a few seconds or minutes. There has been very little research done to work out which treatment works best, but treatment options include: Stretch and massage — lengthen the cramping muscle using a gentle, sustained stretch then lightly massage the area until the cramp subsides.

If you are unsure how to stretch leg muscles, see your physiotherapist for advice. Ice pack — in cases of severe cramp, an ice pack applied for a few minutes may help the muscle to relax.

Medication — some medications can be helpful to control muscle cramps. See your doctor for further information. Further treatment — see your doctor if you experience regular muscle cramping or if cramps last longer than a few minutes.

You may have an undiagnosed medical condition that requires treatment. Prevention strategies Suggestions on how to reduce the likelihood of muscle cramp include: Increase your level of physical fitness.

Incorporate regular stretching into your fitness routine. Warm up and cool down thoroughly whenever you exercise or play sport. You should feel the stretch in your opposite leg, which remains extended. Both of your feet stay flat on the ground facing forward.

Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then lean to the other side. Extend one leg in front of you with the foot flexed. Bend your other knee and lean back slightly. Your pelvis should be tilted forward.

Keep your upper body upright as you hold the stretch for 10 to 20 seconds, then switch sides. You should feel the stretch up the back of your extended leg all the way up your calf and thigh. Your supporting leg may get tired, as you have to balance your weight on it.

Stand with one foot in front of you and your weight equally distributed between them. Bend both knees and lift your back heel off the ground.

Bring your pelvis forward so your back is flat. You can lean against a wall or column for balance. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then repeat on other side. You should feel the stretch in the front of the hip and into your abdomen.

Hold on to something for balance. Standing on one leg, grasp the foot of the other leg. Keep your knee pointing down.

Pull up with light pressure. You do NOT need to pull up all the way to your buttocks. If it feels uncomfortable or painful, you are putting too much strain on the knee joint. Hold your foot behind you for 10 to 20 seconds, then switch sides.

You should feel the stretch in the front of the thigh. Bring one of your elbows across your body, towards the opposite shoulder.

Use your other hand to bring your elbow closer to your shoulder. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then switch sides. Alternate method. Raise your arm over your head and bend your elbow all the way so your hand is behind your neck.

Use your other arm to stabilize your elbow. You should feel either of these stretches in the back of your arm. Muscle cramps are different than muscle twitches , which are covered in a separate article.

Muscle cramps are common and often occur when a muscle is overused or injured. Working out when you have not had enough fluids dehydration or when you have low levels of minerals such as sodium, potassium, or calcium can also make you more likely to have a muscle spasm.

Heat will relax the muscle when the spasm begins, but ice may be helpful when the pain has improved. If the muscle is still sore, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines can help with pain. If the muscle cramps are severe, your health care provider can prescribe other medicines. The most common cause of muscle cramps during sports activity is not getting enough fluids.

Often, drinking water will ease the cramping. However, water alone does not always help. Salt tablets or sports drinks, which also replenish lost minerals, can be helpful.

Your provider will examine you and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history, such as:. Gómez JE, Chorley JN, Martinie R. Environmental illness. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap

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