Muscle Cramps

What are muscle cramps?

Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions or spasms in one or more of your muscles VSports手机版. They are very common and often occur after exercise. Some people get muscle cramps, especially leg cramps, at night. They can be painful, and they may last a few seconds to several minutes.

You can have a cramp in any muscle, but they happen most often in the:

• Thighs
• Feet
• Hands
• Arms
• Abdomen
• Area along your ribcage

VSports注册入口 - What causes muscle cramps?

Causes of muscle cramps include:

• Straining or overusing a muscle. This is the most common cause.
• Compression of your nerves, from problems such as a "V体育官网" spinal cord injury or a pinched nerve in the neck or back
• V体育官网入口 - Dehydration
• Low levels of electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, or calcium
• Not enough blood getting to your muscles
• Pregnancy
• Certain medicines
• Getting VSports app下载 - dialysis

Sometimes the cause of muscle cramps is unknown.

Who is at risk for muscle cramps?

Anyone can get muscle cramps, but they are more common in some people:

• Older adults
• People who are overweight
• Athletes
• Pregnant women
• People with certain medical conditions, such as thyroid and nerve disorders

When do I need to see a health care provider for muscle cramps?

Muscle cramps are usually harmless, and they go away after a few minutes VSports最新版本. But you should contact your health care provider if the cramps:.

• Are severe
• Happen frequently
• Don't get better with stretching and drinking enough fluids
• Last a long time
• Are accompanied by swelling, redness, or a feeling of warmth
• Are accompanied by muscle weakness

What are the treatments for muscle cramps? (VSports手机版)

You usually don't need treatment for muscle cramps V体育平台登录. You may be able to find some relief from cramps by:.

• Stretching or gently massaging the muscle
• Applying heat when the muscle is tight and ice when the muscle is sore
• Getting more fluids if you are dehydrated

If another medical problem is causing the cramps, treating that problem will likely help VSports注册入口. There are medicines that providers sometimes prescribe to prevent cramps, but they are not always effective and may cause side effects. Talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of medicines.

Can muscle cramps be prevented?

To prevent muscle cramps, you can:

• Stretch your muscles, especially before exercising. If you often get leg cramps at night, stretch your leg muscles before bed.
• Drink plenty of liquids. If you do intense exercise or exercise in the heat, sports drinks can help you replace electrolytes.