1. Sudden and Intense
Arms cramps usually happen suddenly and are very painful. Sometimes the cramp is so intense you can actually see the muscle ball up under the skin. Arm cramps come on at any time, but are usually associated with some activity or keeping your arm in the same position for a long period of time. Writing or painting are examples of the type of activity that can cause arm cramps.
2. Get Your Blood Pumping
Arm cramps while exercising usually start from inadequate blood supply to the muscles. Cramps start out with a tingling or asleep feeling and then cramping. This feeling usually goes away when the activity stops. These types of arm cramps occur often while sleeping. When blood flow to the hand or arm cuts off due to sleeping position, the arm goes to sleep. When you change position and blood flow returns, cramping can result as the arm "wakes up."
3. Something on Your Nerves
The nerves in your arm that is. When an activity causes pressure to a nerve it can result in an arm cramp. Typing too long without stretching, or over use of the arm muscles causes nerve compression. This is especially true for people diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel is common in people who do a lot of computer work and have bad hand position. Even though the condition involves the wrist, it causes pain and cramping all the way up the arm.
4. Not an Everyday Thing
Everyone has the occasional muscle cramp. And most people easily determine what's causing it. However, if muscles cramps are an everyday thing, you may want to consider seeking medical help. Muscle cramps can indicate other conditions such as mineral depletion, injury or a neurological condition. These types of muscle cramps don't go away with normal at home treatments such as stretching, ice therapy or changing positions.
5. May Signal Something Serious
For most people with arm cramps, simple home therapy provides relief. However, some arm cramps signal something much more serious. If your arm cramps last more than an hour, consult your doctor. Patients on blood pressure medication may have muscle cramps due to a lack of potassium and need to seek treatment. Arm cramps may also be a sign of serious heart or stomach conditions. This is especially true if the pain is in both the arm and the chest. Seek medical treatment immediately if your have any of these symptoms.
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