Experiencing a twitching muscle while you are exercising can be both distracting and frightening. In most cases, however, the twitching is harmless and will disappear on its own without needing any treatment. Exercise can cause twitching, particularly if your muscles are fatigued. Other common causes of muscle twitches include medication, too much caffeine and a dietary deficiency, according to the online encyclopedia Medline Plus. In some cases, a serious medical disorder can cause muscle twitching.
Features
Muscle twitches, also referred to as fasciculations, are small involuntary contractions of a muscle or muscles served by a single motor nerve. This differentiates twitches from muscle spasms or cramps, which are caused by the involuntary contraction of several muscle groups controlled by multiple motor nerves. Benign, or harmless, muscle twitches often affect the eyelids, thumb or calf muscles but can occur in any muscle. They usually come and go and don't last for more than a few days.
Causes
Benign twitches associated with exercise are primarily related to fatigue, dehydration or an electrolyte deficiency, according to Dr. John Su, a sports medicine physician at the University of California Los Angeles. Fatigued muscles or muscle cells may not have energy to produce a proper contraction, which can cause muscle twitches. Not consuming enough fluids or not consuming enough electrolytes -- the minerals that help muscle contraction -- can cause improper functioning of the muscles, leading to twitching. If you have worked out particularly hard, your muscles may still be receiving the signal to contract despite the fact you have finished exercising, which can lead to temporary twitching. Muscles that are cold and haven't been stretched properly are more susceptible to twitching.
Prevention
To avoid dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance, start hydrating the day before strenuous exercise. Drink water or a sports drink that is enhanced with the electrolytes calcium, magnesium and potassium during and after exercise. Warm up before exercising and gently stretch the muscles to keep the blood flowing and the muscles relaxed. Avoid straining your muscles to the point of fatigue by gradually increasing the intensity of your workout. Avoid drinking too much caffeine before a workout. Talk to your doctor regarding any medications you are taking to ensure they are not causing the twitching.
Considerations
Stress and anxiety can play a role in muscle twitches, and exercise may exacerbate the problem. To help reduce stress, practice deep breathing for several minutes before you exercise. To perform deep breathing, inhale slowly while pushing your abdomen out and relax the abdomen on the exhale. Practicing meditation or yoga may also help. If you experience weakness, loss of muscle size or a loss of sensation in the area the twitches are occurring, you may have an underlying neurological disorder. Consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms along with the muscle twitching.
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