Muscle cramp

Muscle Cramp

A muscle cramp is a sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more of your muscles. While generally harmless, muscle cramps can make it temporarily impossible to use the affected muscle.

Causes

Long periods of exercise, physical labor, especially in hot weather, can lead to muscle cramps. Some medications and certain medical conditions may also cause muscle cramps. You can also get muscle cramps due to dehydration or low levels of certain minerals, such as potassium, calcium, or magnesium.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a muscle cramp include sudden and sharp pain, a hard lump of muscle tissue that you can feel or see beneath your skin, and discomfort at the site of the cramp.

Treatment

Treatment for muscle cramps depends on their cause. Generally, the cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched. For recurrent cramps that disturb your sleep, your doctor might prescribe a medication to relax your muscles.

Prevention

Prevention strategies might include stretching before and after exercise, staying well-hydrated, and maintaining an adequate intake of minerals.

See also

• Muscle
• Muscle contraction
• Dehydration
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Magnesium