Skip to main content

Common Causes of Muscle Cramps (aka Charley Horses)

Muscle cramps can occur in any muscle- legs, feet, arms, hands, back- and can occur day or night. Muscle cramps become more common as we age and are not typically a sign of something harmful; however, if they are persistent, you should be evaluated by your physician.

Common causes of muscle cramps:

1. Dehydration. First, ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day. If you choose to drink only coffee, tea, soda, juices and alcohol, you can cause your muscles to cramp. You must remain hydrated and include water throughout the day to avoid muscle cramps.

2. Medication side effects. Medications such as diuretics, Lasix (furosemide) is the most common, can cause muscle cramps. Some people experience cramps with statins, such as Lipitor (atorvastatin) or Zocor (simvastatin), or the heart medication Procardia (nifedipine). If cramps begin just after starting a new medication, you should discuss the possibility of side effects with your doctor.

3. Muscle Fatigue. Heavy exercise and muscle fatigue can lead to cramps. Exercising more than usual and in the heat can also be a causes of cramping.

4. Poor circulation. Cramping that predictably occurs when walking, then resolves or improves significantly when at rest, may be a sign of poor circulation and should be evaluated by your doctor.

5. Nutritional deficits. Poor nutrition without sufficient intake of essential vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium, can cause muscle cramping. Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to ensure plenty of supply.

6. Stiff muscles. Take time to stretch daily. Stretching daily can reduce muscle cramps. Stretching, walking. and massaging the muscles during a cramp may help stop the cramping.

7. Shoes. Changing from flats to heels and vice versa can cause cramping. Don't overlook this common cause of leg cramps.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ABCDEs of Melanoma

Melanoma is one of many types of skin cancer, but it is the most serious type we can develop. It starts in the melanocytes, which are the type of skin cells that produce skin color. However, there are other cells that can develop melanoma, including those in the eyes and internal organs. Risk factors for Melanoma include being someone who: has had exposure to UV rays from the sun and/or tanning beds has a history of sunburns has a lot of moles has fair skin, blue or green eyes, or blonde or red hair has a family history of melanoma has a personal history of melanoma has a weakened immune system from autoimmune disease, another cancer, chronic stress, diabetes, heart disease, etc. is of older age. Most Melanomas are black or brown, but they can also be flesh-colored, pink, red or purple. Men tend to have Melanomas on the trunk. Women tend to have Melanomas on the arms and legs. Check your skin once a month, especially if you had sunburns as a child. If yo...
Post a Comment
Read more

Breaking Your Sugar Addiction

1 comment
Read more

Everything You Wanted to Know About Urinary Tract Infections, but Were too Afraid to Ask

1. What are common causes of UTIs?   Intercourse, post-menopausal vaginal atrophy, kidney stones, sexually transmitted diseases, proximity to anus/GI tract for the most common bacterial cause, E. coli (wiping back to front, thongs, incontinence) 2. Are some people more prone to UTIs than others? If so, what are some risk factors?   Sexually active women are more prone to UTIs, as are post-menopausal women due to vaginal tissue atrophy. Pregnant women are more prone to UTIs. Women with diabetes and other immune compromised states, vesicourethral reflux (condition that causes reflux of urine from the bladder into the ureter, then into the kidney), Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and other neurological syndromes that cause bladder dysfunction, kidney stones or other blockages in the urinary tract can also be causes of UTIs.  3. What steps can you take to help prevent a UTI from occurring in the first place? Urinate and clean the geni...
1 comment
Read more