Muscle Cramps Causes

If you have ever had them, you know how painful and debilitating they can be. But what exactly is it that is happening, and what are muscle cramps causes?

By common definition, muscle cramps or spasms, sometimes referred to as a Charley Horse, are nothing more than a sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle, or a group of muscles.

The primary muscle cramp symptom is usually intense pain, which may be accompanied by a temporary inability to use the affected muscle. Few areas of the body are immune from muscle spasms.

Leg muscle spasms, a neck muscle spasm, or facial muscle spasm...

...abdominal muscle spasms, lower back muscle spasms, as well as some of the most painful contractions - muscle spasms in the back and muscle spasms in the foot, are all common.

Severe muscle cramps, or frequent muscle cramps, should be discussed with a doctor, as an underlying medical condition may be the cause.

What Causes Muscle Cramps

According to the Mayo Clinic, the causes of muscle cramps, or spasms, can be wide ranging, with...

• dehydration
• overexertion
• nerve compression
• mineral depletion
• inadequate blood supply
• prolonged muscle positioning
• muscle strain or overuse, and
• certain medications

You may also be interested in:
Back Pain, Back Muscle Spasm, Back Stretching Exercise, Muscle Spasms Symptom

Have you ever awakened with muscle cramps at night - in your leg calf or in your foot?

These nocturnal muscle cramps can have the same causes as other types of muscle cramps. Or, they can be the result of something as simple as having worn new shoes or walking for a considerable distance on hard pavement.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, nocturnal cramps are more prevalent in people middle-aged and older and are NOT the same as restless leg syndrome, which is more of a leg discomfort that may be associated with a crawling sensation. Their recommendations for preventing nocturnal muscle cramps are simple...

• Stay hydrated.
• Stretch legs and calf muscles before going to sleep.
• Keep feet and toes free of sheets and blankets.
• During the day wear proper footwear

Understanding muscle cramps causes in your own body is important when determining appropriate muscle spasm treatment. Although light stretch exercise, massage therapy, and ice or heat therapy, may provide muscle spasm relief, they should only be done after a serious medical cause has been ruled out.