If you are taking medicines that are known to cause leg cramps, your doctor may prescribe different medicines. Talk with your doctor if you have muscle cramps that keep coming back or are severe. These may be symptoms of another problem, such as restless legs syndrome.
If cramps keep coming back, bother you a lot, or interfere with your sleep, your doctor may prescribe medicine that relaxes your muscles. Lindholm DO - Neurology. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: Anne C. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
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Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Top of the page. Topic Overview What are muscle cramps? What causes muscle cramps? Muscle cramps may be brought on by many conditions or activities, such as: Exercising, injury, or overuse of muscles. Cramps may occur because of decreased amounts of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, especially in the later months of pregnancy.
Exposure to cold temperatures, especially to cold water. Other medical conditions, such as blood flow problems peripheral arterial disease , kidney disease, thyroid disease, and multiple sclerosis. Standing on a hard surface for a long time, sitting for a long time, or putting your legs in awkward positions while you sleep. Not having enough potassium, calcium, and other minerals in your blood. Being dehydrated , which means that your body has lost too much fluid. Taking certain medicines, such as antipsychotics, birth control pills , diuretics , and steroids.
How can you stop a muscle cramp when it happens? Quinine is not suitable for everyone. The GP will discuss potential risks and side effects with you. Page last reviewed: 16 December Next review due: 16 December Leg cramps.
Check if it's leg cramps Leg cramps happen when a muscle in the leg shortens and causes a sudden pain that can make it hard to move. The cramps can last from a few seconds to 10 minutes. They can affect the: calf muscle, below the knee at the back of the leg muscles in the feet or the thighs less often After the cramp has stopped, the muscle might feel sore for up to 24 hours.
Things you can do about leg cramps yourself During a cramp Stretching and massaging the muscle may ease the pain during a cramp, although most cramps go away without you doing anything.
In a period , the uterus contracts to help shed the uterine lining, which the body then expels through the vagina. Many cramps are temporary and will simply come and go. Some home treatments may ease the symptoms or help the cramp pass.
Gently stretching the muscles in the area may help relieve the symptoms in some people. Applying pressure and performing deep tissue massage in the area may also lessen the symptoms. Warm compresses may help by causing the muscles to relax a bit, reducing discomfort or pain. Some people may find that a warm shower or bath eases the cramp.
Over-the-counter OTC pain relief medications, such as acetaminophen Tylenol or ibuprofen Advil , may help if the symptoms make it difficult to sleep or focus on other tasks. Those with period cramps may also find that home remedies help. These may include placing warm water bottles or other warm compresses on the area and taking OTC pain relief medication or anti-inflammatory drugs to ease the symptoms.
A person may be able to reduce the chance of muscle cramps by avoiding some of their common causes. Some general prevention tips include:. Even with these tips, some cramps may still occur. It is not always possible to avoid all cases of cramping.
Anyone taking medications that cause dehydration or muscle cramps may wish to speak with their doctor to discuss alternatives. Many cases of muscle cramps are temporary, with the symptoms appearing and then going relatively quickly. However, in some cases, a person may need to see a doctor for treatment. People experiencing severe pain from muscle cramps should see their doctor, especially if the pain does not go away.
Those who experience other signs and symptoms alongside muscle cramps should also seek medical advice. These signs and symptoms may include:. Although muscle cramps are common, the exact cause is often unknown. Some factors, such as improper stretching, muscle exertion, and electrolyte imbalances, may make cramps more likely.
Most cramps are temporary, with the symptoms going away on their own or with simple home remedies. It is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis if cramps are severe, become regular, or do not go away with home treatment. Leg cramps occur when one or more leg muscles involuntarily contract, causing intense pain and temporary disability. Learn about the causes…. A leg cramp, also known as a charley horse, is a painful, involuntary muscle spasm that often occurs during exercise or at night.
Sometimes, a charley….
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