Muscle cramps in general are a common acute condition and are usually described as a muscle that tenses up, will not relax, and is painful. A muscle cramp can be caused from any number of reasons including: muscle fatigue, poor muscle flexibility, performing an unfamiliar movement, exercising in extreme temperatures, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. These are not all potential causes of muscle cramps and spasms, just a few of the more common.

When you experience a muscle cramp or spasm stop performing the movement or exercise that caused the problem. Do not try to force a muscle to stretch. Gently massage and stretch the cramping muscle. Try to the hold stretch of the cramping muscle until it relaxes.

To help prevent muscle cramps it is important to make sure you improve your overall fitness level. Work your way up to exercises and motions that you are unfamiliar with. If you have not been running or swimming in a while, gradually work your way back into the routine. Remember to warm-up before exercising and to cool-down and fully stretch after exercising. Pay close attention to making sure the legs are fully stretched after each workout; cramps in the legs are the most common. Also make sure you are well hydrated (before, during and after exercising) and avoid exercising in extreme conditions if possible.

While you shouldn’t be alarmed with the occasional muscle cramp, you should seek advice from your health care provider if they occur frequently and especially if they continually interfere with sleep. Your doctor will be better able to diagnose your specific cramping issue (electrolyte imbalance, possible medication causes, etc.) and provide a plan for managing them.

(Please consider this post as general information and not medical advice; always follow the advice of your health care provider.)