Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions or spasms in one or more muscles, which can be painful and last for varying periods of time
. The exact cause of muscle cramps is unknown, but some risk factors include
:
- Poor physical condition
- Dehydration
- Muscle fatigue
- Exercising or working too hard, especially in heat
- Straining or overusing a muscle
- Loss of body fluids through sweat
- Pregnancy
- Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid and nerve disorders
- Dehydration and low levels of electrolytes, such as magnesium, potassium, or calcium
- Nerve compression
Muscle cramps can also be associated with medical conditions, such as atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries)
or other neurological disorders
. In some cases, muscle cramps may indicate an underlying neurological condition, such as dystonia, which affects muscle movement
. To reduce the duration and severity of muscle cramps, you can try gently stretching the muscle, massaging the area, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers
. If you experience regular muscle cramping or if cramps last longer than a few minutes, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider
