A cramp can last for varying periods of time and generally resolves by itself. The exact cause of cramp is unknown but risk factors may include poor physical condition, mineral and electrolyte imbalances and tight, inflexible muscles.
You should seek immediate medical help if: The cramps last longer than 10 minutes and fail to improve, despite exercise.
Muscle cramps occur mostly in leg muscles, most often in the calf. Cramps usually last for seconds to minutes. After the cramp eases, the area might be sore for hours or days.
Causes of leg cramps
putting too much strain on muscles during exercise, which can be worse in hot or humid weather. pregnancy (usually in the later stage) certain medicines, for example medicine for lowering cholesterol (statins) or high blood pressure (diuretics) not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
You should be able to treat a cramp on your own, but see a doctor if your cramps are severe, you get them often, or you have other symptoms (like numbness or weakness) along with them. Rarely, cramps can signal a problem with the spine, blood vessels, or liver.
But there are some clues that can help you figure out if you should see your provider: DVTs typically cause one-sided leg swelling, redness, and warmth that worsens over time. Leg cramps tend to occur at night, come on suddenly, and get better after a few seconds or minutes.
Outside of insufficient hydration, there is some evidence that deficiencies in certain substances, such as magnesium, potassium, vitamin D, and certain B vitamins, can lead to a higher risk for leg cramps.
Seek medical care right away if you have:
Severe cramping that continues. Night leg cramps after coming into contact with a toxin, such as lead.
Even a small dose of quinine might be helpful. Many other readers have also shared success stories with tonic water against nighttime leg cramps.
Menstrual cramps commonly start a few days before your period, and they can last for 1-2 days after it starts. Mild to moderate cramps can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, but there are a few signs that could indicate your cramps aren't normal.
For most people, symptoms subside after about two or three days. Mild to moderate menstrual cramping is normal. But some people have such severe pain during their period that it interferes with their day-to-day life and prevents them from doing things they enjoy.
Cramps are usually harmless but may sometimes be symptomatic of an underlying medical disorder, such as atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries). Regular cramping or severe cramping that lasts longer than a few minutes should always be investigated by your doctor.
Dr. Knepper says walking encourages small arteries in the legs to enlarge, which increases blood flow. “Keep in mind that the pain you might feel while walking is not causing further damage,” he says.
The involuntary contraction strikes without warning, whether it's a charley horse in the middle of night or a back spasm as you reach for an everyday object. But don't let that cramp throw you for a loop. "When it suddenly strikes, don't exercise or tighten the muscle. Just gently stretch it to your tolerance.
If severe cramping is accompanied by fever, vomiting, dizziness, unusual vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, or if the pain is especially severe, call your healthcare provider immediately.
Sometimes, leg pain can signal something more serious like a fracture, deep vein thrombosis or compartment syndrome. Seek medical attention urgently if: the leg is swollen. it looks deformed or you can't use it properly.
In most cases, people do not know why leg cramps happen, although there are a number of theories. Some research suggests that muscle fatigue and nerve dysfunction may play a role.
You probably know that bananas are a good source of potassium. But they'll also give you magnesium and calcium. That's three out of four nutrients you need to ease muscle cramps tucked under that yellow peel. No wonder bananas are a popular, quick choice for cramp relief.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is the less common type of cramps and is caused by a medical condition like an infection, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts. These menstrual cramps often worsen with age and can last for the entire duration of your period.
Muscle cramp denotes an episodic, involuntary, painful contraction of a muscle. Muscle spasm is a more encompassing term referring to any involuntary muscle contraction.