Potassium is a mineral required by the body to maintain normal muscle and nerve cell functioning. When you have too much or too little potassium in the blood, you will notice adverse symptoms --- including muscle aches, according to MedlinePlus. Because potassium-related muscle aches can be an indicator of a more serious condition, it's important to be aware of how and why potassium-related muscle aches occur.
Function
When your brain signals your muscles to move, this is a result of an "electrical" reaction in the body that uses potassium, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. This potassium in the body controls muscle contractions --- when your lift your arm, it is the result of a potassium exchange. However, when your body does not have enough potassium, the muscle cells cannot react properly and may begin to twitch or cramp.
Causes
Certain medical conditions are linked with low potassium levels that can lead to muscle cramping, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Examples include kidney disease, heart disease, abuse of diuretics, eating disorders and after severe diarrhea or vomiting. In some instances, low potassium is due to a diet that does not contain enough potassium or eating excess amounts of licorice.
Diagnosis
If you are experiencing unexplained muscle cramps, your physician may recommend a blood test, which is commonly used to diagnose potassium levels. Low potassium levels are considered those below 3.5 milliequivalents per liter, according to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine. If your physician finds you have low potassium levels, further testing may include a urine test or electrocardiogram to test for the cause of your low potassium.
Warning
It is important to treat low-potassium related muscle cramps because this can be a precursor to more serious symptoms. Your heart also relies on muscle to beat --- treating low potassium levels helps to prevent abnormal heartbeats, according to MayoClinic.com.
Treatment
If your potassium levels are not severely low, treatments may include a high-potassium diet or potassium supplements, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. If your potassium levels are severely low, your physician may admit you to a hospital and administer intravenous potassium.
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