Muscle spasms, or muscle cramps, occur when a skeletal muscle contracts tightly and won't release. They can occur at any time of day or night, but frequently strike during a workout. Older people and pregnant women may also be prone to developing muscle spasms. For some, muscle spasms are the result of another underlying condition, and for the most effective treatment, this other disorder must be relieved first.
First Aid
First aid for muscle spasms involves massaging the muscle and performing stretches until the cramping has subsided. Applying heat to a cramping muscle may also help. If the muscle remains stiff and sore after the spasm has passed, an ice pack on the muscle or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever is advised. For cramps caused by dehydration, drinking a glass of water can sometimes bring immediate relief.
Medical Treatment
There are many different types of drugs available to treat muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants, calcium inhibitors and derivatives of the anti-malarial drug quinine are all prescribed as oral drugs for the treatment of muscle cramps. Because the efficiency and side effects vary widely, it is advisable to consult with a doctor before using any anti-spasm drugs. Another option available only through a doctor is injection of botulinum toxin into the spasming muscle.
Side Effects and Toxicity
According to a February 2010 review in the journal "Neurology," quinine derivatives should not be used as a routine treatment for muscle cramps due to its potential toxicity and side effects, but only used in specific individuals who cannot use other anti-spasm medication. The use of botulinum toxin as a treatment for muscle cramps may also produce side effects in allergic individuals, but for most people, it is safe and effective for small muscles such as those in the face.
Considerations
Muscle spasms that do not respond to home treatment should be reported to a doctor right away. Recurrent cramps may be a sign of a deeper problem, and people who experience frequent spasms may need to have tests done to diagnose or rule out other conditions. Some conditions with muscle cramps as a symptom include Lou Gehrig's disease, thyroid disease and cirrhosis of the liver.
Prevention
Stretching before a workout can help prevent muscles from spasming in the first place. Since dehydration is a frequent cause, drinking plenty of fluids when exercising or spending time in the heat is another way to keep from developing a muscle cramp. Eating a balanced diet or taking a vitamin supplement may also help prevent cramps, since deficiencies in nutrients such as potassium and magnesium may raise the risk of developing muscle spasms, according to MedlinePlus. Orange juice and bananas are especially high in potassium, and consuming these before a workout might keep spasms at bay.
