Muscle spasms (cramps)

Considerations:
Muscle cramps most often occur in the foot or in the calf muscle.

Muscle twitches are minor and often go unnoticed. Some are common and normal, while others indicate a neurologic disorder.

Common Causes:
MUSCLE SPASMS

MUSCLE TWITCHING

  • benign , nonpathologic fasciculations (not caused by disease or disorders)
    • often affect the eyelids, calf, or thumb
    • normal and quite common, often triggered by stress , anxiety

  • a diet deficiency
  • drug overdose
  • drug side effect (such as diuretics, corticosteroids and estrogens)

Note: There may be other causes of muscle spasms. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for muscle spasms, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Slow stretching often brings relief.

Follow prescribed therapy.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • there are severe, prolonged or recurring muscle spasms or cramps that are unexplained or that aren't relieved by simple stretching.
  • there are prolonged or persistent muscle twitches that are unexplained.



What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your muscle spasms in detail may include:

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Pain relievers ( analgesics ) may be prescribed. Job, school, and home lifestyles may be explored and levels of stress noted.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to muscle spasms to your personal medical record.