MOST of us will experience the torture of muscle cramps at some point in our lives.
Whether it's during or after or in the middle of the night, their sudden, intense nature can leave you doubled over in .
But what if your could be signalling something more serious?
Understanding what causes them, particularly if they're a regular occurrence, can help you seek the appropriate treatment – or potentially prevent more serious complications.
Dr Mohamed Najjar, of Jorja Healthcare Group, said one of the most common causes of muscle cramps is straining or overusing a muscle, often during exercise.
He explained: “Muscle cramps most commonly affect the legs, typically in the calves, hamstrings, or quadriceps.
“If this is the cause, the muscles and staying hydrated are some of the best ways to treat the muscle cramps.
“Applying heat or ice can also help, as can pain relief if the problem persists.”
A number of other potential causes, says Dr Najjar, are the compression of nerves from a spinal injury or pinched nerve in the neck, as well as dehydration or low levels of .
“Certain medication and can also cause muscle cramps,” he added.
Muscle cramps, especially at night, are often the result of tired or overworked muscles, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or nerve problems.
While the exact cause isn't always clear, Doctify-rated sport and exercise medicine doctor Dr Lewis Raiman said night-time calf cramps are particularly common in older adults, but aren't usually a sign of anything serious.
Dr Raiman said: “The most effective treatment is gentle stretching of the affected muscle, especially when performed at the time of the cramp.
“Daily passive stretching, particularly of the calf muscles before bedtime, can reduce the frequency and intensity of night-time cramps.”
But if muscle cramps persist or appear unusual, it could be an early symptom of a medical condition, warned Dr Raiman.
If this is the case, he said you should also look out for the following six signs:
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling
- Constant
- Unexplained weight changes
Dr Raiman advised: “These symptoms may point to conditions like , thyroid problems, kidney disease, or neurological disorders and should be checked by a doctor.”
Most muscle cramps will only last a few seconds, or minutes at the very most.
But if they become frequent, prolonged, or very painful, they warrant further evaluation.
Dr Najjar recommended: “You should see your GP if your cramps are disturbing your or daily life, if you also have numbness or swelling in your legs, or if the cramping lasts for more than ten minutes.”
