Health Encyclopedia

Muscle cramps

Definition

Muscle cramps are involuntary and often painful contractions (movements) of the muscles.

Alternative Names

Cramps - muscle

Considerations

Muscle cramps are common and may be stopped by stretching the muscle. The cramping muscle may feel hard or bulging.

Muscle spasms are different than muscle twitches, which are covered in a separate article.

Common Causes

Muscle spasms can cause cramps and are usually brought on by the following:

Alcoholism
Dehydration
Heavy exercise
Hypothyroidism
Kidney failure
Medications
Muscle fatigue
Metabolic problems
Pregnancy
Reduced levels of magnesium or calcium in the body

Home Care

Slow stretching often brings relief. If muscle cramps continue, see your doctor.

Call your health care provider if

Call your doctor if your muscle cramps are severe, last a long time, or keep coming back and do not go away with simple stretching.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history, such as:

When did the spasms first begin?
How long do they last?
How often do you experience muscle spasms?
What muscles are affected?
Is it always the same location?
Are you pregnant?
Have you been vomiting, had diarrhea, excessive sweating, excessive urine volume, or any other possible cause of dehydration?
What medications do you take?
Have you been exercising heavily?
Have you been drinking alcohol heavily?

Tests that may be done include:

Blood tests for disorders of the following:
- Calcium, potassium, or magnesium metabolism
- Kidney function
- Thyroid function
Electromyography
Myelography
Pregnancy test

Pain relievers (analgesics) may be prescribed.

References

Skorecki K, Ausiello J. Disorders of sodium and water homeostasis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 117.

Molitoris B. Acute kidney injury. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 121.

Barohn R. Muscle diseases. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 447.

Review Date:7/22/2008
Reviewed By:Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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