Skip to Content

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.

Causes

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

Home Care

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

When to Contact a Medical Professional

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 Office Visit

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.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website, and its associated websites, is provided as a benefit to the local community, and the Internet community in general; it does not constitute medical advice. We try to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites. As medical advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient and healthcare is constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent physician. Furthermore, in providing this service, Adventist HealthCare does not condone or support all of the content covered in this site. As an Adventist health care organization, Adventist HealthCare acts in accordance with the ethical and religious directives for Adventist health care services.

Adventist HealthCare · 301-315-3030 · 1801 Research BLVD, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850

Submit an Online Information Request