When a muscle has a sudden, uncontrollable cramp or contraction, it's referred to as a spasm. Muscle spasms are quite common in the calf and foot, but can happen in any muscle. The common term used for muscle cramps or spasms that occur in the legs is Charley horse. Some general causes of muscle spasms can include lack of proper stretching and poor muscle conditioning, including tired muscles, which may be a result of intense exercise. Long periods of sitting, standing, and holding a writing instrument or tool can bring on muscle cramps in the hands. Many people will experience muscle spasms during their lifetimes due to various reasons.
Medication Side Effects
Medications such as estrogens, diuretics and corticosteroids can cause muscle spasms. According to eMedicineHealth.com, the common side effect for certain medications is muscle cramps. Side effects of the drugs furosemide and donepezil, which are drugs prescribed for Alzheimer's disease, can include muscle spasms as the body adjusts to the drug. Raloxifene, brand name Evista, which is prescribed for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, can cause leg cramps. There are also some medications used to reduce cholesterol---such as clofibrate, or Atromid-S; pravastatin, or Pravachol; and atorvastatin, or Lipitor---that can also cause uncontrollable muscle spasms.
Compression of Nerves
Muscle spasms and pain in the legs can be the result of compression of nerves in the spine. Carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome and radial tunnel syndrome are common nerve compression conditions. Paresthesias are oftentimes caused by compression of nerves, producing a sensation of tingling, pricking or numbness of a person's skin. According to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Dictionary, suspected nerve compression can be verified by examining nerve conduction speed and the interval between the stimulation of a compound muscle and the observed response, which measures motor and sensory nerve conduction precisely. Initial treatment typically involves splinting, although surgical decompression may be required if there are considerable motor or sensory deficiencies.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a condition with many aspects to it. According to Fibromyalgia-Symptoms.org, with such a wide range of symptoms, many doctors have difficulty diagnosing fibromyalgia from the outset. People who suffer from fibromyalgia may experience aching muscles with uncontrollable muscle twitching and limpness. These are highly common symptoms that can aggravate other fibromyalgia complications. Whether it shows up as an annoying flutter in the eyelid or a leg twitch at nighttime, this kind of involuntary muscle activity can be very maddening. Typically uncontrollable, the muscles twitch when a nerve tells them to contract and release rapidly.
