Twitching in the legs after exercise or stretching is not uncommon. Twitching can be caused by deficiency in the diet, exercise, drugs or stress. It many cases, the twitching is minor and will go away on its own or with self-care measures. Simple steps can be taken to prevent twitches from occurring. In rare cases, the twitching is a sign of an underlying medical disorder.
Muscle Twitches
A muscle twitch, also known as a fasciculation, is a small, involuntary muscle contraction caused by the firing of a single motor nerve. This differentiates it from a muscle cramp, which is the involuntary contraction of a group of muscles that are controlled by multiple motor nerves. A muscle twitch that is the result of stretching or exercise will typically last for no more than a few minutes, but may come and go over a period of several days. Twitches are not usually painful, but can be annoying and limit movement. Most muscle twitches occur naturally and are referred to as benign twitches.
Causes
Benign, or harmless, twitches can have several causes. Lack of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, can interrupt the proper electrical flow needed to maintain smooth muscle contraction. Certain drugs, such as caffeine, can cause twitches if you ingest too much. Some prescription drugs --- particularly diuretics, corticosteroids, or estrogens --- have muscle twitching as a side effect. Exercise can cause twitching, and if you are stretching after exercise, this could be the cause. Dehydration can also cause muscle twitching. Neurological disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and trauma or damage to a nerve, often have muscle twitching as a symptom.
Treatment and Prevention
Benign twitches caused by exercise or stretching should go away on their own. In some cases, massaging the area might help. To prevent twitches, perform a warmup before you stretch. This will get blood flowing to the muscles and keep them flexible, which can help reduce the possibility of twitches. Stay hydrated by drinking water with added electrolytes or an electrolyte-enhanced sports drink. Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeine before stretching. Discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor. If they are the cause of your twitching, he may be able to reduce the dosage or find a suitable replacement.
Warning
If the twitching does not go away after several days, is severe, or is accompanied by symptoms such as muscle weakness, a change in the shape of the muscle or a loss or change in sensation, you may have an underlying medical disorder. Consult a doctor for a diagnosis. In same cases, a doctor may prescribe anti-spasmodic medication to stop or control the twitching.
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