Avoiding Muscle Cramps - Space Coast Orthopedics ...

Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions that occur in various muscles. These contractions are often painful and can affect different muscle groups.

Muscles affected by cramps are often those in the back of your lower leg, the back of your thigh, and the front of your thigh.

You may also experience cramps in your:

• abdominal wall
• arms
• hands
• feet

The intense pain of a cramp can awaken you at night or make it difficult to walk.

A sudden, sharp pain, lasting from a few seconds to 15 minutes, is the most common symptom of a muscle cramp. In some cases, a bulging lump of muscle tissue beneath the skin can accompany a cramp as well.

Causes of muscle cramps
Muscle cramps have several causes. Some cramps result from overuse of your muscles. This typically occurs while you’re exercising.

Muscle injuries and dehydration can also trigger cramps. Dehydration is the excessive loss of fluids in the body.

Low levels of any of the following minerals that contribute to healthy muscle function may also cause muscle cramps:

1. calcium
2. potassium
3. sodium
4. magnesium

Treatment options for muscle cramps

You can apply a hot or cold compress to your sore muscles at the first sign of a spasm to ease the pain of muscle cramps. You can use any of the following:

a hot cloth

a heating pad

a cold cloth

ice

Stretching the affected muscle can also alleviate the pain of muscle cramps. For example, if your calf is cramping, you could pull your foot upward with your hand to stretch the calf muscle.