Muscle cramps
Alternative Names
Cramps - muscleHome 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.
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 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
- Thyroid function
- Kidney function
- Pregnancy test
- Electromyography
- Myelography
Pain relievers (analgesics) may be prescribed.
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