Endurance cycling pushes your body's physical limits, testing your cardiovascular, muscular and mental strength. After a long ride, your body may experience fatigue and nutrient depletion, potentially leading to spasms or cramps. Typically, large...
According to MayoClinic.com, a muscle spasm, or cramp, is a sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more muscles. Specifically, a muscle spasm can occur in any one or more of the muscles in the legs, including the calves, hamstrings, quads or...
There are numerous causes of leg muscle spasms. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, muscle spasms or cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions in one or more of a person's muscles that last...
Muscle spasms and leg cramps are caused by sudden involuntary contractions of the muscles. Spasms and cramps are common problems, often occurring after periods of exercise or strenuous labor. While the conditions may cause pain and discomfort,...
A muscle spasm, also known as a muscle cramp, is a painful but common occurrence. During a muscle spasm, the muscle contracts and will not release. A muscle spasm in the leg is also sometimes called a charley horse and may occur in the thigh or...
Spasms that cause muscles to quiver are caused by involuntary contractions. Nerve fibers attached to a muscle group can cause the spasms. Quivering muscles are common and usually pass quickly when you relax. Uncontrollable twitching also may...
The biggest cause of leg cramps is a muscle spasm, also referred to as a charley horse. When a muscle is over-used or injured, it will involuntarily contract. The cause of that uncomfortable leg cramp could also be an overstretched or torn...
The symptoms of leg cramps can be described as a painful tightening of the leg muscles, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Your legs can become cramped for a number of reasons, including lack of hydration, a calcium deficiency or...
Muscle pain, spasms and cramping in the back of legs can develop for a variety of reasons. Simply straining the muscles can cause discomfort between the thighs and calves. In some cases medical conditions may lead to muscle aches or sharp pain in...
There are many causes of anterior or front thigh pain. According to MayoClinic.com, leg pain, including anterior thigh pain, can affect a person's ability to walk, bear weight on the affected side and feel stable. Most anterior thigh pain...
An effective warm-up routine includes five or more minutes of stretching: reaching behind your ankles, pulling yourself down to stretch your legs, pulling your arms across your chest and holding them in place. Without enough stretching, you may...
The spine is made up of 26 vertebral bones. Filling the space between the bones is a soft jelly-like matter called a disc. The disc material cushions the bones and helps keep the spine aligned. A herniated disc is the medical term when the disc...
Claudication is the medical term used to describe weakness and pain in the legs related to circulation problems. This pain often resolves when you rest, because it occurs when the leg muscles do not get enough oxygen. Peripheral vascular disease...
Reglan is the brand name of the drug metoclopramide. It is most commonly used to treat two conditions. First, it helps alleviate nausea and vomiting. Second, it treats conditions in which the stomach and intestines move food along less actively....
Magnesium is a mineral that you need to get from your diet for your body to function properly. Poor absorption of magnesium can lead to a deficiency of this mineral. Although vitamin D affects the way magnesium is absorbed, vitamin D is unlikely...
Quinine is a medication given mainly for malaria treatment. It can be given alone or along with other medications. Malaria is spread through mosquito bites and seen mostly in tropical climates. Quinine can also be used in the treatment of the...
Foot drop and leg muscle spasms often occur after a stroke or other brain injury or for people with cerebral palsy, muscular sclerosis or Parkinson's disease. Because of the weakness of your foot and ankle muscles or because of spasms, you will...
If you are experiencing pain in your thighs, you may have low potassium levels. Low potassium levels can be caused by a variety of factors, including exercise, certain medication or poor diet. Diet is, however, the least likely culprit for low...
A charley horse or muscle spasm is a sudden involuntary contraction of a muscle. It does not usually last long, but it can be very painful. A charley horse or muscle spasm can occur during activity or when a person is sedentary, and they can also...
A lower leg cramp results from a muscle spasm. A muscle spasm is characterized by a hard muscle contraction. In the leg, the calf muscle, or lower leg, is the most common site of cramps. These cramps typically last just a few minutes but can last...
If you've ever woke up in the middle of the night grabbing your calf and hollering out in excruciating pain, only to have a parent or partner tell you to eat more bananas, they are on to something. Potassium deficiency can cause sleep problems,...
A number of conditions can cause muscle cramps or spasms. The involuntary contractions that usually occur suddenly can be the result of overuse, poor circulation, dehydration or improper diet. When minerals are depleted from your bloodstream,...
According to statistics from the National Institutes of Health, approximately 25 percent of the U.S. population has suffered low-back pain in the past three months. If you are among those Americans with low-back pain, you know how debilitating it...
A regular practice of modified yoga postures can help repair a herniated disc by promoting proper alignment, stretching and strengthening muscles -- particularly abdominal and back -- and releasing stress. Because the disc is 80 percent water,...
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is characterized by the inflammation and destruction of myelin sheaths, the fatty coverings that protect nerve cells. This loss of insulation causes nerve function in many areas of the body to deteriorate. The majority...
Exercise is essential to good health. Regular, moderate exercise helps maintain a proper metabolism and supports proper immune function, but some people suffer from muscle spasms and bruising during or after exercise. There are several possible...
Many people experience leg cramps while driving, especially when driving long distances. A variety of muscle injuries can cause leg cramps, so consult your doctor before trying home remedies. Leg cramps also are occasionally caused by insufficient...
Numerous conditions can cause lateral foot pain. According to the University of Michigan Medical School, the lateral aspect of the foot--the side of the foot that faces away from the body--is comprised of bones, muscles, tendons and connective...
Vitamins are essential nutrients for proper body functioning. They aid the body in functions that promote growth, development, reproduction, digestion, disease reduction, and overall health and life maintenance. Each vitamin has its own role. If...
Muscle spasms and cramps are often harmless but can accompany serious medical conditions. Learn about spasms and cramps in this medical video.
