Introduction
Muscle cramps or muscle spasm occurs when muscles forcibly and involuntarily contract uncontrollably. They are very common and can affect any of the muscles. The common muscle spasms sites are arms, hands, calves, feet, abdomen, and thighs. There is no injection or pills that can instantly relieve muscle cramps. Muscle fatigue, exercising in the heat, dehydration, stress, sitting improperly, and sitting for long periods can lead to muscle cramps. Cramps are harmless but sometimes can be symptomatic of an underlying medical condition such as atherosclerosis (which refers to the narrowing of arteries).
What Is Muscle Cramp?
Muscle cramps are involuntary contractions, and sudden occurrence affects one or more muscles. Long periods of exercise, particularly in hot weather, may lead to muscle cramps. Some medications can also lead to muscle cramps. They are extremely common. Almost everyone once in a lifetime experiences muscle cramps.
What Causes Muscle Cramps?
The causes of muscle cramps are as follows:
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Aging: With time, muscle mass loss is common, which strains the muscles and causes more muscle cramps.
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Dehydration: Loss of body fluid while exercising can lead to muscle cramps.
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Hypothyroidism: The thyroid gland is less active than normal, causing muscle cramps.
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Low Electrolyte Levels: Low electrolytes such as potassium or calcium in the blood can lead to muscle cramps.
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Medication: Consuming medications such as Pseudoephedrine and Statin can lead to involuntary muscle cramps.
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Nerve Disorder: In cases with spinal cord injury or pinched nerves can lead to nerve compression that causes muscle cramps.
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Physical Strain: Overusing muscles during strenuous activities or exercise can lead to muscle cramps.
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Pregnancy: Women with pregnancy often experience leg cramps due to circulation changes, low electrolyte levels, and pressure on nerves that a growing baby causes.
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Tight Muscles: Not enough stretching and inactivity can cause muscles to clench involuntarily.
Most muscle cramps are harmless and can occur due to underlying medical conditions such as:
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Inadequate Blood Supply: Narrowing of the arteries that deliver blood to the legs can produce cramp-like pain in the feet and legs while exercising. These cramps usually disappear after stopping exercise.
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Nerve Compression: Compression of nerves in the spine can produce cramp-like pain in the legs. The pain worsens as long as the person walks.
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Mineral Depletion: Too much calcium, magnesium, or potassium in the diet can contribute to leg cramps.
What Is the Etiology of Muscle Cramps?
Almost everyone suffers from muscle cramps at some point in their life. The factors that increase the risk and severity of cramps include:
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Tight calf muscles due to chronic lower swelling or lack of stretching and inactivity.
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Dehydration.
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Metabolic or neurological disorders.
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Electrolyte abnormalities (low body levels of magnesium or potassium).
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Removal of the volume of fluid during dialysis in patients with the last stage of kidney disease.
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Drugs.
Who Are Affected by Muscle Cramps?
Muscle cramps are common. Anyone can develop it, but it happens more often in people who are:
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Elderly.
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Athletes.
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Infants.
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Pregnant.
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Overweight.
What Are the Symptoms of Muscle Cramp?
Muscle cramps usually develop in the leg muscles, mainly in the calf. The symptoms of muscle cramps include:
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Sudden and sharp pain.
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Presence of a hard lump beneath the skin.
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Severe discomfort.
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Muscle weakness.
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Does not improve with self-care.
What Are the Different Types of Muscle Cramps?
The different types of muscle cramps are as follows:
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Tetany (refers to involuntary muscle contractions and stimulated peripheral nerves).
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Contractures (refers to permanent tightening of the skin, muscles, nearby tissues, and tendons that leads to joint shortening and becomes very stiff).
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Dystonic cramps (refer to involuntary movement and cramps in the muscle of the wrist and arm).
What Happens When Muscle Cramp Occurs?
Muscle cramps are sudden involuntary contractions of the muscles. The muscles get locked and are accompanied by intense muscle pain and tightness. Cramps most commonly occur in the muscles of the hand, feet, arm, ribcage, and abdomen.
How Long Does Muscle Cramp Last?
The duration of a muscle cramp depends upon the region where the cramp occurs. For example, the cramp in the hands, feet, and arms lasts from a few seconds to minutes. In the case of menstrual cramps, which are associated with cramping and throbbing pain, they last for two to three days.
What Are the Diagnoses of Muscle Cramps?
Muscle cramps are harmless and do not require medical attention. However, to know about the cause of muscle cramps, the following tests can be performed:
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A blood test can be done to detect the levels of calcium and potassium in the blood.
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Electromyography (EMG) is the test that checks for muscle abnormalities.
What Are the Risk Factors of Muscle Cramps?
Factors that increase the risk of muscle cramps include:
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Age: Older people tend to lose muscle mass and easily overstressed muscles.
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Dehydration: Athletes who become dehydrated or fatigued when practicing warm-weather sports frequently develop cramp muscles.
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Pregnancy: Muscle cramps can also occur during pregnancy.
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Medical Condition: The person may be at higher risk of muscle cramps if the person has nerves, thyroid, and liver disease.
How to Prevent Muscle Cramps?
The steps to prevent muscle cramps include:
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Drinking plenty of liquid every day is important to avoid dehydration. Fluids help in muscle contraction and relaxation.
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Muscle stretching is important before and after using muscles for an extended period.
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Using a heating pad or a warm towel on tight or tense muscles. Taking a hot shower or warm bath on cramped muscles can help in healing.
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Avoiding medication that may cause muscle cramps as a side effect.
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Using a pillow to keep toes pointed upward during sleep.
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Muscles should be stretched before going to sleep.
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Increasing the level of fitness.
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The diet should be nutritionally adequate and includes plenty of vegetables and fruits.
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Regular massage can help to reduce muscle tension.
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Wearing properly fitted shoes and avoiding high heels.
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Avoiding smoking and caffeine consumption.
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Avoiding drugs that are stimulants.
Conclusion:
A muscle cramp is a painful spasm of a muscle in which any muscle can be affected. The foot and calf muscles are more prone to get affected by the foot and calf muscles. Dehydration, stress, and overexertion are common causes of muscle cramps. Stretching, hydration, electrolyte balance, and mental preparation help prevent muscle cramps.
