Muscle cramps

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Overview	Treatment

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:

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


Chest stretch


Groin stretch


Hamstring stretch


Hip stretch


Thigh stretch


Triceps stretch

Review Date: 7/21/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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