What are muscle cramps?
Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions or spasms in one or more of your muscles. They are very common and often occur after exercise. Some people get muscle cramps, especially leg cramps, at night. They can be painful, and they may last a few seconds to several minutes.
You can have a cramp in any muscle, but they happen most often in the
Thighs
Feet
Hands
Arms
Abdomen
Area along your ribcage
What causes muscle cramps?
Causes of muscle cramps include:
Straining or overusing a muscle. This is the most common cause.
Compression of your nerves, from problems such as a spinal cord injury or a pinched nerve in the neck or back
Dehydration
Low levels of electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, or calcium
Not enough blood getting to your muscles
Pregnancy
Certain medicines
Getting dialysis
Sometimes the cause of muscle cramps is unknown.
Who is at risk for muscle cramps?
Anyone can get muscle cramps, but they are more common in some people:
Older adults
People who are overweight
Athletes
Pregnant women
People with certain medical conditions, such as thyroid and nerve disorders
When do I need to see a health care provider about muscle cramps?
Muscle cramps are usually harmless, and they go away after a few minutes. But you should contact your health care provider if the cramps
Are severe
Happen frequently
Don't get better with stretching and drinking enough fluids
Last a long time
Are accompanied by swelling, redness, or a feeling of warmth
Are accompanied by muscle weakness
What are the treatments for muscle cramps?
You usually don't need treatment for muscle cramps. You may be able to find some relief from cramps by
Stretching or gently massaging the muscle
Applying heat when the muscle is tight and ice when the muscle is sore
Getting more fluids if you are dehydrated
If another medical problem is causing the cramps, treating that problem will likely help. There are medicines that providers sometimes prescribe to prevent cramps, but they are not always effective and may cause side effects. Talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of medicines.
Can muscle cramps be prevented?
To prevent muscle cramps, you can
Stretch your muscles, especially before exercising. If you often get leg cramps at night, stretch your leg muscles before bed.
Drink plenty of liquids. If you do intense exercise or exercise in the heat, sports drinks can help you replace electrolytes.
