The Difference Between Muscle Cramps and Muscle Spasms

Introduction:

Muscle cramps and muscle spasms occur when bundles of muscle fibers contract involuntarily. The term ‘spasm’ refers to any involuntary contraction that occurs in a group of muscle fibers and is generally described as mild twitching sensations. The word ‘cramp’ refers typically to sharp and painful spasms. Based on the definition, it means that all cramps are spasms, but not all spasms are necessarily cramps. In other words, if a contraction persists for several seconds, it transits from a muscle spasm to a muscle cramp.

How Do Muscle Cramps Differ From Muscle Spasms?

Muscle pain can arise from various causes, such as muscle spasms, muscle cramps, and muscle strains. Muscle spasms and muscle cramps usually occur when the muscles involuntarily contract. Muscle spasms are when involuntary contraction happens, and the muscles relax on their own, whereas if the contraction sustains for a long time, it is said to be muscle cramps. Muscle cramps and muscle spasms often occur suddenly and can be painful.

Based on the intensity of pain, muscle spasms are short-term contractions of muscles that sometimes cause extreme or no pain at all. On the other hand, muscle cramps are painful muscle spasms that persist for a longer period. Both spasms and cramps affect the muscles of the feet, calves, thighs, arms, hands, and abdomen. Spasms and cramps in calves are said to be Charley horses, and leg cramps at night when the body is at rest are said to be nocturnal leg cramps.

Muscle relaxants, stretching exercises, and massage therapies treat muscle spasms and cramps. As these are unpredictable, it is difficult to prevent them. Muscle spasms and cramps are more common with age. They happen during physical activities like walking, sitting, performing exercises, or sleeping and tend to recur many times.

What Causes Muscle Spasms and Muscle Cramps?

The reason for muscle spasms and muscle cramps is idiopathic (unknown cause). The most common cause is aging. Even though the cause is unknown, some studies and researchers believe that muscle spasms and muscle cramps may be caused by:

• Lack of stretching activities.

• Muscle fatigue.

• Doing workouts in excess heat surroundings.

• Dehydration (excessive loss of fluids in the body).

• Depletion of electrolytes and minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium.

• Stress.

• Overuse of muscles.

• Obstruction of blood vessels that causes interference in blood supply to legs and feet.

• Doing high-intensity exercises.

• Compression of spinal nerves while walking and standing can cause spasms and cramps.

• Pregnancy.

• Chronic alcoholism.

• Renal failure.

• Hypothyroidism (a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient thyroid hormones to meet the body’s needs).

Some medications used to treat certain medical conditions are known to produce muscle cramps and muscle spasms.

They are:

• Antihypertensive drugs (drugs used to treat high blood pressure).

• Drugs used to treat heart diseases.

• Medications used to treat cholesterol.

• Medications like diuretics (fluid pills) can hinder the body’s mineral balance and can cause cramping.

• Medications used to treat Parkinson's disease (a progressive disorder of the brain that causes problems in movements, mental health issues, and so on).

• Medicines are used to treat Alzheimer's disease (a disorder of the brain that causes a progressive decline in thinking, memory, and other cognitive abilities).

In addition, muscle cramps can be associated with conditions like atherosclerosis (a condition in which the arteries narrow due to the deposition of fatty plaques) and sciatica (pain in the buttocks and legs caused by pressure on the nerves in the lower back).

What Are the Characteristic Features of Muscle Spasms and Muscle Cramps?

Muscle spasms and cramps vary according to their intensity, from mild to severe. They appear as tightness in affected muscles. They feel hard to touch and are visibly distorted. These may cause uncomfortable cramps in the muscles, which in turn can cause intense pain. Muscle spasms and cramps usually last from a few seconds to 15 minutes. In some patients, the cramp may be accompanied by a bulged lump of muscle tissue under the skin.

How Are Muscle Cramps and Muscle Spasms Diagnosed?

First, the healthcare providers take the patient's complete medical and medication history. In addition, the physician might raise questions to diagnose the condition. Healthcare providers assess the type of pain and its intensity, duration, and location of the muscle affected. They also determine how long the cramps or spasms last, and they physically examine the area of the spastic muscle.

If the contraction does not relax and persists for long, the physician might recommend electromyography (EMG) to identify muscle activity and abnormalities. MRI (magnetic resource imaging) and myelography (an imaging test that assesses problems in the spinal canal) may also be helpful.

How Are Muscle Cramps and Muscle Spasms Treated?

If the person is suddenly affected by muscle spasms or cramps while walking, exercising, or sleeping, then the person can do the following:

• The person can stretch the affected area.

• Massage the affected area with their hands or with the help of rollers.

• Stand up and walk around to relax the muscles.

• The pain in the spastic muscles can be eased by using hot or cold packs and also by taking warm baths.

• For immediate relief from the pain, the person can consume painkillers such as Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen. The person may also consume muscle relaxants.

• Sometimes consumption of vitamin B12 complex supplements can lower the spastic attack in the muscles.

• Calcium or potassium supplements are recommended if the spasms and cramps are due to a depletion of minerals.

• If the spasms and cramps do not go away, getting massage therapy can be the best choice.

How Can Muscle Cramps and Muscle Spasms Be Prevented?

Muscle cramps and muscle spasms can be prevented by reducing the activities that strain the muscles. The simplest way is to avoid or limit exercises that strain the muscles, which can cause spasms and cramps.

Muscle spasms and cramps can be prevented in the following ways:

• Doing stretches or warm-ups before any high-intensity exercises and sports activities.

• Avoiding exercises immediately after eating.

• Lowering the intake of caffeine that is present in drinks and foods like coffee and chocolate.

• Keeping oneself hydrated by drinking sufficient water that is usually lost while doing exercises and physical activities.

• Increase the intake of foods that contain more minerals, such as calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium.

• Taking vitamins and minerals supplements after consultation with healthcare professionals.

• Avoiding medications that cause muscle spasms and muscle cramps.

• Performing flexibility exercises daily.

• Avoid exercising in hot weather.

• Wearing properly fitted shoes.

• Maintaining BMI (body mass index- a useful measure of obesity and overweight).

• Doing mild stretching exercises before going to bed to prevent nocturnal leg cramps.

When Should a Person With Muscle Spasms and Cramps Consult a Doctor?

A person should contact a doctor if the pain caused by muscle spasms and cramps is unbearable or if it happens frequently and is long-lasting. They can also see a doctor if they experience significant pain, swelling, or numbness in the affected area or changes in the skin of the affected area. The person should also contact the physician if the muscle spasms and cramps are due to any severe medical conditions.

Conclusion:

Muscle cramps and spasms are both involuntary muscle contractions, but they differ slightly in terms of duration, intensity, and underlying causes. Muscle spasms usually disappear in minutes, while muscle cramps last longer. Usually, muscle spasms and cramps resolve on their own and do not hinder normal muscle function. If muscle cramps last longer, consulting with a healthcare professional is always recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment.