Also called: Charley horse
Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions or spasms in one or more of your muscles. They are often painful and can affect any muscle, though they most commonly occur in the legs — particularly in the calf muscle.
Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions or spasms in one or more of your muscles. They often occur after exercise or at night, lasting a few seconds to several minutes. It is a very common muscle problem.
Muscle cramps can be caused by nerves that malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction is due to a health problem, such as a spinal cord injury or a pinched nerve in the neck or back. Other causes are
- Straining or overusing a muscle
- Dehydration
- A lack of minerals in your diet or the depletion of minerals in your body
- Not enough blood getting to your muscles
Overview of Muscle Cramps
1. Symptoms
- Sudden, sharp pain
- A hard lump of muscle tissue under the skin
- Involuntary muscle tightening
- Cramps typically last a few seconds to 15 minutes
2. Common Causes
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances (low levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium)
- Muscle fatigue
- Poor blood circulation
- Nerve compression
- Holding a position for a prolonged time
- Strenuous exercise, especially in hot weather
3. Risk Factors
- Age (older adults are more susceptible)
- Pregnancy
- Medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, hypothyroidism)
- Certain medications (e.g., diuretics, statins)
4. Prevention
- Stay well-hydrated
- Stretch before and after exercise
- Maintain adequate intake of electrolytes
- Avoid prolonged sitting or standing
- Wear supportive footwear
5. Treatment
- Stretching the affected muscle (e.g., dorsiflexing the foot if calf is cramping)
- Massaging the area
- Applying heat (for tight muscles) or cold packs (for pain)
- Hydration with electrolyte-containing fluids
- Over-the-counter pain relief, if needed
6. When to See a Doctor
- Cramps are severe, frequent, or last a long time
- No clear cause
- Associated with muscle weakness, swelling, or redness
Cramps can be very painful. Stretching or gently massaging the muscle can relieve this pain.
