What makes cramps

Home Bones muscles and joints. Muscle cramp. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet.

On this page. Symptoms of muscle cramp Minerals and electrolytes Risk factors for muscle cramp Muscle cramp associated with medical conditions Treatment options for muscle cramp Prevention strategies Where to get help Things to remember. Symptoms of muscle cramp The symptoms of a muscle cramp include: Sudden sensation of uncontrollable and painful spasms in the muscle Muscle twitching.

Minerals and electrolytes Muscle tissue relies, in part, on a range of minerals, electrolytes and other chemicals in order to contract and relax. Risk factors for muscle cramp The exact cause of muscle cramp is not known, but risk factors may include: Tight, inflexible muscles Poor physical condition Poor muscle tone Inadequate diet Physical overexertion Physical exertion of cold muscles Muscle injury Muscle fatigue Excessive perspiration Dehydration — caused by, for example, a bout of gastroenteritis Reduced blood supply ischaemia Wearing high-heeled shoes for lengthy periods.

Muscle cramp associated with medical conditions Certain diseases or conditions may increase the risk of muscle cramp, including: Atherosclerosis — a condition characterised by narrowed arteries due to the formation of fatty plaques. Muscles are more likely to cramp if their blood supply is inadequate. Sciatica — pain in the buttock and leg caused by pressure on nerves in the lower back. In some cases, the irritated nerve may prompt the associated muscles to contract.

Medications — some medical conditions require the regular use of fluid pills diuretics. Treatment options for muscle cramp Most muscle cramps resolve after a few seconds or minutes. There has been very little research done to work out which treatment works best but treatment options include: Stretch and massage — lengthen the cramping muscle using a gentle, sustained stretch then lightly massage the area until the cramp subsides.

If you are unsure how to stretch leg muscles, see your physiotherapist for advice. Enthesopathy refers to pain and inflammation around your joints. This includes your wrists, knees, and ankles. Here's how to recognize and treat it. Learn what might cause an itchy perineum along with treatment and prevention recommendations. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Causes Muscle Cramps? Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Muscle cramps. 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.

Causes of muscle cramps. Treatment options for muscle cramps. Preventing muscle cramps. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Daniel Bubnis, M.

Treatment and Prevention Tips. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. In some cases, these cramps can be prevented. Read on to learn about their triggers and how to find relief. Your muscles cramp when they involuntarily contract. This usually feels like a painful knot on your leg muscle and renders it momentarily immobile. Leg cramps are most common in the calf muscle, but they can also happen in the thighs or feet.

Normally, leg cramps last just a few moments before the muscle loosens up and the pain dissipates. There are a variety of things that can lead to leg cramps. Because they often happen at night when our legs are slightly bent and our feet are pointed downward, some have suggested that this tightening triggers a spasm. There are certain activities that make you more prone to leg cramps. These include exercises that rely heavily on the leg muscles, such as:. Some experts say muscle fatigue is the leading cause of leg cramps.

You can prevent activity-related leg cramps by drinking plenty of water and taking it easy. Pregnancy , as well as certain medical conditions, can also increase your risk of experiencing leg cramps. Get more information on stopping leg cramps. Accessed Dec. Smith RP, et al. Dysmenorrhea in adult women: Treatment. Frequently asked questions.

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