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

When a screening mammogram just isn't enough.

Did you know that in the state of Texas there is a Bill (HB2102), also known as Henda's Law, that requires mammography centers to notify all women with dense breast tissue that the accuracy of their mammograms is less than that of women with lower breast density and that they may benefit from “supplemental screening” in addition to their annual mammogram? Since the Bill was passed in 2011, several other states have adopted similar legislation. Last week, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 1036 that makes 3D mammography a covered benefit for the women of Texas as part of their wellness exam. Dense breast tissue is a relatively common condition and can be associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Dense breast tissue can also obscure the Radiologist's view of the breast and mask very early signs of breast cancer. Therefore, women who have dense breasts may benefit from supplemental imaging, such a tomosynthesis (3D mammography), breast...
Post a Comment
Read more