Muscle spasms or cramps are a painful condition that occurs when a muscle contracts involuntarily. They usually do not last long, but they can be severe. Muscle spasms can be caused by overexercise or staying in one position for too long, or may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. If muscle spasms are occurring on a regular basis, seek medical attention to determine the cause. However, there are some general remedies and treatments available.
Stretch and Apply Heat
Participating in high-impact or endurance sports or exercising hard without being in adequate physical condition can cause the muscles to become fatigued and spasm. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests that as soon as a muscle spasm occurs, it is important to stop moving and gently stretch and massage the affected muscle. Hold the stretch and focus on relaxing the muscle until the cramp stops. If the muscle does not loosen up, try gently rubbing the area or applying heat. A daily program of stretching and warming up properly before exercise will help prevent future spasms.
Drink Water
If the body is dehydrated, the muscles cannot function or contract properly and may go into spasm. This is a concern if you are working or participating in sports outside on days that are hot or humid. The National Institutes of Health recommends drinking water first to see if the spasm will stop. However, if water alone does not help, try a sports drink or salt tablets to help replace any electrolytes that have been lost. When exposed to hot and humid weather, take along plenty of water and drink before feeling thirsty.
Apply Weight and Cold Pack
According to the Mayo Clinic, if the muscle cramp is in the leg, put weight on the leg slowly to see if the spasm will let up. If the pain is severe, applying a cold pack may help numb the area and ease the pain so that the muscle can relax.
Medications
If muscle spasms are a common occurrence, a physician can prescribe or recommend medications that can be taken when a muscle cramp hits. This includes anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or pain medication. This approach may be helpful for those prone to cramps or who have an underlying medical condition that raises the risk of cramps.
