Most of us at some time in our lives have experienced muscle cramps, especially in our legs. In most cases, self-care measures are sufficient for dealing with muscle cramps, which typically go away within minutes. If muscle cramps are very frequent and no obvious cause is known, then you should seek medical attention.
What are muscle cramps?
A muscle cramp is an involuntary and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. Cramps can occur in many muscles of the body but are most frequent in muscles of the leg. Muscle cramps often cause a visible or palpable hardening of the involved muscle. Muscle cramps can last anywhere from a few seconds to fifteen minutes or occasionally longer. It is not uncommon for a cramp to recur multiple times until it finally resolves. The cramp may involve a part of a muscle, the entire muscle, or several muscles that usually act together.
Who gets muscle cramps?
Muscle cramps are extremely common. Almost everyone experiences a cramp at some time in their life. They are common in adults and become increasingly frequent as one gets older. Muscle cramps can also occur in children and young adults although not as frequent as in adults.
What causes muscle cramps?
There are a number of possible causes for muscle cramps. Frequent causes include the following:
• Poor blood circulation in the legs
• Overexertion of the calf muscles while exercising
• Insufficient stretching before exercise
• Exercising in the heat
• Muscle fatigue
• Dehydration
• Magnesium and/or potassium deficiency
• Calcium deficiency in pregnant women
• Malfunctioning nerves, which could be caused by a problem such as a spinal cord injury or pinched nerve in the neck or back
Muscle cramps can also occur as a side effect of some drugs. Medications that can cause muscle cramps include:
• Diuretics also known as water pills.
• Medications for treating hypertension such as nifedipine
• Medications for treating asthma such as ventolin
• Medications for treating elevated cholesterol levels
Treatment
Muscle spasms are extremely common and there are many approaches for dealing with this disorder. Some things that you can do at home include massaging the muscles and using ice on the muscles as well as warming the muscle. Some people also find some relief by using epsom salt baths.
For a charley horse in the calf or a cramp in the back of the thigh (hamstring), try putting your weight on the affected leg and bending your knee slightly, or sit or lie down with your leg out straight and pull the top of your foot toward your head. For a cramp in the front of the thigh (quadriceps), hold onto a chair to steady yourself and pull your foot back toward your buttocks.
If these local measures fail, you should seek medical attention as they might indicate a more serious medical disorder requiring specific treatment
Can muscle cramps be prevented?
If you frequently have muscle cramps, you should try the following to help prevent them:
• Eat more foods high in magnesium and calcium.
• Stay well hydrated.
• Stretch properly before exercise.
Conclusion
Muscle cramps are extremely common and the vast majority of muscle cramps go away within a few seconds or minutes without any complications. In a few cases the individual might be unable to use the affected muscle for a period of time. If you experience a muscle cramp that lasts for over thirty minutes, and occurs very frequently, then you should see a doctor as this might be a signal for a more serious disorder requiring treatment.
