Twitches experienced as the result of exercise are fairly common. They occur most frequently as the result of strenuous exercise, particularly in athletes who participate in endurance events. Dietary deficiencies, stress and certain prescription drugs also can cause twitching, and exercise may simply exacerbate the problem. In rare instances, muscle twitches are the result of an underlying medical disorder.
Features
Muscle twitches, medically referred to as fasciculations, are small movements of a single muscle fiber that is controlled by a single nerve. Exercise-related twitches happen most frequently in the calves, hamstrings and quadriceps, according to UCLA physician Dr. John Su, but they can occur anywhere in the body. Most twitches associated with exercise don't last more than a few minutes at a time, although they may come and go for hours or days after exercising. In most cases, exercise-related twitches don't require treatment and subside soon after exercising.
Causes
Possible causes of exercise-related twitching can include muscle fatigue, lack of a proper warm-up before exercising and electrolyte imbalances. Certain medications can have twitching as a side effect, and exercise may make the symptoms more noticeable. Consuming too much caffeine or other stimulants can cause twitching, as can dietary deficiencies and dehydration. In rare cases, an underlying nerve disease, such as muscular dystrophy, is to blame.
Treatment and Prevention
Twitches that result from exercise usually go away on their own, although stretching and massaging the affected muscles may help. Staying hydrated, eating nutrient-dense foods and performing a proper warm-up and stretching routine can decrease the likelihood twitches will occur. Avoid drinking too much caffeine before your exercise session and don't exercise to the point of fatigue. If you are increasing the intensity of your workout, do so gradually. Talk to your doctor if you are taking any prescription medications to ensure that twitching is not a possible side effect.
When to Call a Doctor
Most twitches are benign and eventually go away; however, twitches that linger or occur frequently could be the sign of an underlying medical disorder. If the twitches last for more than a few minutes at a time or are accompanied by other symptoms including muscle weakness, change in muscle size or loss of sensation, consult a doctor. A variety of nerve disorders have twitching as a symptom.
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