muscle cramps
A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of one or more muscles If you've ever woken up with a muscle spasm during your sleep, you know how painful that moment can be Although cramps are mostly harmless, the condition sometimes makes it impossible to use the affected muscle
Prolonged physical exertion, especially in hot weather, causes muscle spasms Some diseases and medications also cause muscle cramps Treatment of vertigo is usually possible at home
Muscle overuse, dehydration, muscle strain, or staying in one position for too long can all cause muscle cramps. However, in most cases, the causes of muscle spasm are unknown
Although muscle cramps are generally harmless, some of them may be related to specific underlying conditions, such as:
- Insufficient blood supply Narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the lower extremities (arteriosclerosis of the extremities) causes cramping pain in the lower extremities and feet during physical exertion. Spasmodic pain usually disappears after the exercise is stopped
- Pressure on the nerve Pressure on a spinal nerve can also cause cramping pain in the lower extremities The pain usually worsens with walking Walking in a slightly bent position, such as when carrying a grocery cart, may slow the development of symptoms.
- Mineral leaching Small amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in your diet can cause leg muscle spasms. Diuretics—medications that doctors prescribe for high blood pressure—also cause loss of these minerals
The majority of muscle cramps develop in the muscles of the lower limb, especially the calf muscles In addition to the sudden, sharp pain, you may feel or see a hardened lump under the skin of the injured muscle.
When to see a doctor Muscle cramps usually go away on their own and are not serious enough to require medical attention. However, consult a doctor if cramps:
- cause severe discomfort
- are associated with redness or skin changes in the lower limb
- are associated with muscle weakness
- occur frequently
- do not improve despite measures taken at home
- do not
