Health Topics A-Z

From About.com

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y

Muscle cramps

Alternative Names:

Cramps - muscle

Home Care:

Slow stretching often brings relief. Follow prescribed therapy.

Call your health care provider if:

there are severe, prolonged or recurring muscle spasms or cramps that are unexplained or that aren't relieved by simple stretching.
there are prolonged or persistent muscle twitches that are unexplained especially if they are accompanied by weakness or muscle wasting.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions documenting your muscle spasms may include the following:

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?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed 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. Job, school and home lifestyles as well as the role of alcohol use may be explored