Muscle Spasms

Though they can be incredibly painful, muscle spasms, or muscle cramps, are usually temporary. Defined as when a muscle involuntarily contracts and cannot relax, a muscle cramp can affect any muscle at any time. Most commonly, cramps like these affect your calves, thighs, foot arches, arms, abdomen, hands and ribcage. Below we’ll discuss who gets muscle spasms, what causes these cramps and how to treat them.

Who is susceptible? 

As a universal problem, muscle spasms can happen to anyone at any time. It can happen when you’re exercising or sleeping or any moment in between. Unfortunately, some people are more prone to these cramps and get them every time they are physically active. Those who are most prone to these types of cramps include:

• The Elderly
• Infants
• Endurance Athletes
• Those who are ill

Causes

There are many things that can contribute to muscle spasms, but some of the most common include:

• Dehydration
• Muscle fatigue
• Not stretching before exercising
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Exercising in hot temperatures

Prevention & Treatment

You can treat muscle spasms in the moment by stretching the muscle, gently massaging it, or by applying a cold compress to sore or tender muscles, or a hot compress to tight or tense muscles. Additionally, before exercise, make sure to stretch and stay hydrated to help prevent cramps. 

However, if your muscle cramps are frequent, severe, or respond poorly to the treatment methods listed above, contact your doctor for an appointment right away. It is likely that there is an underlying cause that should be addressed immediately.

Muscle Spasm Help at Minivasive Pain

At Minivasive Pain, our mission is to treat the causes of your pain with the highest standards of care and quality. Our experienced team of orthopedic physicians will help determine the underlying cause of your muscle spasms, and work to get you back to the joys of life in no time. Plus, we have several locations throughout the Greater Houston Area for your convenience. To schedule an appointment, please call (346) 800-6001 now.