Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Muscle Cramp: Types, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

  https://www.medicinenet.com/muscle_cramps/article.htm

  Muscle cramps can occur in any muscle; cramps of the leg muscles and feet are particularly common. A muscle cramp is an involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. Muscle cramps can last from a few seconds to a quarter of an hour or occasionally longer. It is not uncommon for a cramp to recur multiple times until it finally resolves. Muscle cramps are extremely common. Almost everyone (one estimate is about 95%) experiences a cramp at some time in their life. Muscle cramps are common in adults and become increasingly frequent with aging. However, children also experience cramps in their muscles. Cramps of the extremities, especially the legs and feet (including nocturnal leg cramps), and most notably the calf (the classic „charley horse”), are very common. Characteristically, a cramp is painful, often severely so. Usually, the sufferer must stop whatever activity is underway and seek relief from the cramp; the person is unable to use the affected muscle while it is cramping. Severe cramps may be associated with soreness and swelling, which can occasionally persist up to several days after the cramp has subsided. At the time of cramping, the knotted muscle will bulge, feel very firm, and maybe tender.

• #2 Cramp – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cramp

  A cramp is a sudden, involuntary, painful skeletal muscle contraction or overshortening associated with electrical activity. While generally temporary and non-damaging, they can cause significant pain and a paralysis-like immobility of the affected muscle. A cramp usually goes away on its own over several seconds or (sometimes) minutes. Cramps are common and tend to occur at rest, usually at night (nocturnal leg cramps). They are also often associated with pregnancy, physical exercise or overexertion, and age (common in older adults); in such cases, cramps are called idiopathic because there is no underlying pathology. In addition to those benign conditions cramps are also associated with many pathological conditions. […] Under normal circumstances, skeletal muscles can be voluntarily controlled. Skeletal muscles that cramp the most often are the calves, thighs, and arches of the foot, and in North America are sometimes called a „Charley horse” or a „corky”. Such cramping is associated with strenuous physical activity and can be intensely painful; however, it can occur while inactive and relaxed. Around 40% of people who experience skeletal cramps are likely to endure extreme muscle pain and may be unable to use the entire limb that contains the „locked-up” muscle group. It may take up to a week for the muscle to return to a pain-free state, depending on the person’s fitness level, age, and several other factors.

• #3 Muscle cramp – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscle-cramp/symptoms-causes/syc-20350820

  Muscle cramps occur mostly in leg muscles, most often in the calf. Cramps usually last for seconds to minutes. After the cramp eases, the area might be sore for hours or days. […] Muscle cramps usually go away on their own. They don’t usually need medical care. However, see a health care provider for cramps that: […] Cause severe discomfort. […] Have leg swelling, redness or skin changes. […] Come with muscle weakness. […] Happen often. […] Don’t get better with self-care.

• #4 Muscle Spasms (Muscle Cramps): Causes, Treatment & Prevention

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/muscle-spasms-muscle-cramps

  Muscle spasms (muscle cramps) are painful contractions and tightening of your muscles. They can involve part or all of a muscle or several muscles in a group. Muscle spasms can happen to anyone at any time. They can occur when you walk, sit, exercise or sleep. Muscle spasms can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, it might feel like your muscle is jumping around on its own. Sometimes, you might even see your muscle twitching. In severe cases, it might feel like your entire muscle stiffens up into a tight ball. If a cramp is particularly painful, you might even have lingering discomfort in that area for a day or two. […] If muscle spasms result from a neurological condition, you may develop additional symptoms like muscle pain, muscle weakness, paralysis, numbness, coordination issues, difficulty sleeping, and vision issues. […] Muscle spasms can worsen and happen more frequently with age. Preventive techniques, like the exercises outlined above, can reduce your overall risk for muscle spasms.

• #5 Muscle cramp | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/muscle-cramp

  A muscle cramp is an uncontrollable and painful spasm of a muscle. […] The symptoms of a muscle cramp include: sudden sensation of uncontrollable and painful spasms in the muscle, muscle twitching. […] Regular cramping or severe cramping that lasts longer than a few minutes should always be investigated by your doctor. […] Most muscle cramps resolve after a few seconds or minutes. […] See your doctor if you experience regular muscle cramping or if cramps last longer than a few minutes.

• #6 Muscle Cramps – Neurologic Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/symptoms-of-neurologic-disorders/muscle-cramps

  A muscle cramp (charley horse) is a sudden, brief, involuntary, painful contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. Cramps commonly occur in healthy people (usually middle-aged and older adults), sometimes during rest, but particularly during or after exercise or at night (including during sleep). Leg cramps at night usually occur in the calf and cause plantar flexion of the foot and toes, but cramping of other muscle groups is also possible. […] The most common types of leg cramps are benign idiopathic leg cramps (leg cramps in the absence of a causative disorder, typically at night) and exercise-associated muscle cramping (cramps during or immediately after exercise). […] Although almost everyone has muscle cramps at some time, certain factors increase the risk and severity of cramps.

• #7 Muscle Cramps: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

  https://lonestarneurology.net/muscular-dystrophy/muscle-cramps/

  Most people who play sports or travel encounter the problem of muscle cramps at least once. Painful muscle spasms can be extremely unpleasant and cause a lot of discomforts. But some of them can cause a lot of pain. […] Full-body muscle cramps are visualized or palpated in the affected muscle. And its not uncommon for the cramps to recur until the muscle relaxes. Almost all people have experienced these problems. Body cramps all the time are common in adults, and as we age, they become more common. A cramp can occur in any muscle. The calf muscles and the muscles of the anterior and posterior thigh surfaces are most often affected by cramps. […] Symptoms of muscle cramps throughout the body include: […] Sudden, sharp muscle pain. Muscle cramps usually occur suddenly and cause muscle pain. It can range from mild to severe.

• #8 Muscle Cramps: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatments

  https://www.healthline.com/health/muscle-cramps

  Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions that occur in various muscles. These contractions are often painful and can affect different muscle groups. […] The intense pain of a cramp can awaken you at night or make it difficult to walk. […] A sudden, sharp pain, lasting from a few seconds to 15 minutes, is the most common symptom of a muscle cramp. In some cases, a bulging lump of muscle tissue beneath the skin can accompany a cramp as well. […] Muscle cramps are usually harmless and dont require medical attention. However, you should see a doctor if your muscle cramps are severe, dont improve with stretching, or persist for a long time. This could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. […] Stretching the affected muscle can also alleviate the pain of muscle cramps. […] Muscle cramps can interrupt your sleep. If this happens, talk to your doctor about a prescription muscle relaxer. This medication helps relax your muscles and calm spasms. […] Controlling the underlying cause of muscle cramps can improve your symptoms and ease spasms.

• #9 Muscle Cramps – Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/brain-spinal-cord-and-nerve-disorders/symptoms-of-brain-spinal-cord-and-nerve-disorders/muscle-cramps

  A cramp is a sudden, brief, unintended (involuntary), and usually painful contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. Muscle cramps can be a symptom of nervous system malfunction. […] Cramps tend to occur during or after vigorous exercise but sometimes occur during rest. Some people have painful leg cramps during sleep. Sleep-related leg cramps usually affect the calf and foot muscles, causing the foot and toes to curl downward. Although painful, these cramps are usually not serious and are thus called benign leg cramps. […] Almost everyone has muscle cramps at some time, but certain conditions increase the risk and/or severity of cramps. […] Cramps can occur shortly after dialysis, possibly because dialysis removes too much fluid from the body, removes the fluid too quickly, and/or lowers electrolyte levels.

• #10 Muscle Cramps – OrthoInfo – AAOS

  https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/muscle-cramps

  Muscle cramps range in intensity from a slight tic (twitching) to agonizing pain. […] A cramping muscle may feel hard to the touch and/or appear visibly distorted or twitch beneath the skin. […] A cramp can last a few seconds to 15 minutes or longer. It might recur multiple times before it goes away.

• #11 Muscle spasms: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/muscle-spasms

  Muscle spasms are very common. They can happen in any part of the body, but they tend to affect the following: […] Not all muscle spasms are painful, but some can be. It can feel like the muscle is jumping or moving on its own, with this feeling typically lasting just a few seconds. Some people might even be able to see the muscle twitching. […] Sometimes, it can feel as though the whole muscle has cramped up and cannot move. This effect most commonly happens in the legs and can be quite painful. The muscle may feel hard to the touch. The cramping sensation tends to pass within several minutes or so, but the muscle may continue to hurt for some time afterward. […] Muscle spasms usually resolve on their own. It might take a few seconds or several minutes to stop completely, but they do not often need treatment.

• #12 Muscle Cramps – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499895/

  Muscle cramps result in continuous, involuntary, painful, and localized contraction of an entire muscle group, individual single muscle, or select muscle fibers. Generally, the cramp can last from minutes to a few seconds for idiopathic or known causes with healthy subjects or in the presence of diseases. Palpating the muscle area of the cramp will reveal a knot. Exercise-associated muscle cramps are the most frequent condition requiring medical/therapeutic intervention during sports. […] The specific etiology is not well understood and possible causes depend on the physiological or pathological situation in which the cramps appear. It is important to note that a painful contraction that is limited to a specific area does not mean that the cause of the onset of the cramp is necessarily local.

• #12 Muscle Cramps – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499895/

  A cramp is almost never a local effect but involves the whole body system, such as somatic and emotional. […] The etiology of the cramp depends on the situation in which it occurs. It is not possible to draw up the causes, and the possible physiological or pathological differences in which the cramp occurs must be highlighted, as different scenarios give rise to cramps. […] The pathophysiology of muscle cramps is not always clear and depends on the patient’s pathological condition. […] In healthy subjects, the prognosis for the appearance of cramps is always benign. […] Muscle cramps are not life-threatening but they may be indicative of a wide range of systemic disorders. […] The majority of muscle cramps subside on their own and hence medical treatment is unnecessary.

• #13 Muscle cramps – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice

  https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/569

  Muscle cramps are mostly benign and self-limited, but may also be indicative of a wide variety of potentially serious systemic disorders. […] Idiopathic (ordinary) muscle cramps are common, short-lived, and usually involve the calf muscle and/or foot. […] About 80% of episodes involve the gastrocnemius, with a mean duration per episode of 8 to 9 minutes in adults and 2 minutes in children. […] The focus of this topic is true cramps (motor unit hyperactivity). These are most commonly idiopathic cramps, but can be associated with other conditions. […] Duration 10 minutes (idiopathic cramp). […] Duration 10 minutes (organic cause).

• #14 Leg cramps

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leg-cramps/

  Leg cramps are common, usually harmless, and only last a short time. They can happen at any time, but most people have them at night or when resting. […] Leg cramps happen when a muscle in the leg tightens and causes a sudden pain that can make it hard to move. The cramps can last from a few seconds to 10 minutes. […] After the cramp has stopped, the muscle might feel sore for up to 24 hours. […] Regular calf-stretching exercises may help to reduce cramps but may not completely stop them from happening. […] Non-urgent advice: See a GP if: leg cramps are disturbing your sleep, you also have numbness or swelling in your legs, cramps last longer than 10 minutes. […] A GP will examine you to try to find out the reason for your leg cramps. They will suggest a treatment depending on the cause. This might be: stretching exercises, quinine tablets if exercise has not helped.

• #15 Leg cramps | NHS inform

  https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/leg-and-foot-problems-and-conditions/leg-cramps/

  Leg cramps are a common and usually harmless condition. They cause the muscles in your leg to suddenly become tight and painful. A leg cramp is an episode of sudden pain in the muscles of the leg. Its caused by an involuntary contracting (shortening) of the leg muscle. Cramps usually occur in the calf muscles, although they can affect any part of your leg. This includes your feet and thighs. Cramps can last from a few seconds up to 10 minutes. Thigh muscle cramps tend to last the longest. During a cramping episode, the affected muscles will become tight and painful and the feet and toes will be stiff. After the cramping has passed, you may have pain and tenderness in your leg for several hours. Cramps often happen during the night when youre sleeping. […] Leg cramps might be a sign of a more serious health condition.

• #16 Muscle cramps and dystonia | Parkinson’s UK

  https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/muscle-cramps-and-dystonia

  Anyone can experience muscle cramps but they are more common in people with Parkinsons. […] Youre most likely to get muscle cramps in your legs, especially in your calf muscle at the back of your leg. You may also experience cramps in muscles in your feet or thighs. […] Muscle cramps happen when your muscles shorten more than they are used to, or when they suddenly tighten, causing sharp pain. […] A cramp usually lasts a few seconds but it can last up to 10 minutes. Your muscles can feel tender for up to 24 hours afterwards. […] Some people with Parkinsons say that muscle cramps happen when they have done something specific. This could be sleeping in a particular position or doing an activity involving an unusual muscle movement. […] Most muscle cramps happen before you can do anything to stop them, but there are lots of things that can help ease them.

• #17 Healthy Aging: Muscle Cramps & Spasms | MUSC Health | Charleston SC

  https://muschealth.org/medical-services/geriatrics-and-aging/healthy-aging/cramps-and-spasms

  One of the many things to go wrong as we age is the unwanted and often painful involuntary contraction of muscles in our legs and sometimes other areas. If the contraction is sustained for more than several seconds it moves from being a muscle in spasm to a muscle cramp. The most important sign is intense pain caused by the extreme tightening of the muscle. The pain is localized at the site of the muscle. There may be tenderness on touching the muscle with ones hands. There always is the sensation of a tense or tight muscle that feels very hard compared to other relaxed muscles. The spasm may last only a few seconds or up to 15 minutes. The longer the cramp lasts the more likely the muscle will be sore for a prolonged period after the acute pain has subsided. […] The cramps can and often do impair function, for example, writers cramp occurs in muscles of the hand making it impossible to write. Or, there can be cramps in leg muscles that make walking or running difficult. The most common site of a cramp as we age is in the calf.

• #18 Muscle Spasms Causes, Signs, and Symptoms Plus Treatment

  https://elevatephysiobalwyn.com.au/conditions-treated/neck/muscle-spasms/

  Muscle spasms, also known as muscle cramps, are involuntary contractions of a muscle or group of muscles that occur suddenly and without voluntary control. They are usually painful and can last from a few seconds to several minutes. […] Muscle spasms can cause a range of symptoms, some of which are more noticeable than others. The following are some technical terms used to describe common signs and symptoms of muscle spasms: Involuntary Contractions: Sudden, uncontrolled contractions of a muscle or group of muscles. Pain: Sharp or aching pain in the affected muscle, which can be intense and last for several minutes. Muscle Tension: Increased tightness or tension in the affected muscle. Muscle Weakness: Decreased ability of a muscle to contract and produce movement. Stiffness: Decreased range of motion in the affected muscle, often accompanied by muscle tension and pain. Numbness: Loss of sensation or feeling in the affected muscle. Tingling: A sensation of pins and needles in the affected muscle. Muscle Atrophy: Decreased muscle size due to disuse or injury.

• #19 Muscle Cramps

  https://practicalneurology.com/articles/2019-aug-july/muscle-cramps

  A muscle cramp is a hyperexcitable neurologic phenomena of excessive, involuntary muscle contractions. It is important to distinguish between myogenic and neurogenic muscle cramps, because each has unique pathophysiology and management. The conventional definition of a muscle cramp is a painful contraction of a muscle or muscle group, relieved by contraction of antagonist muscles. The origin and propagation of neurogenic muscle cramps localizes to peripheral and central targets, including the neuromuscular junction, where mechanical disruption and electrolyte disturbances can influence hyperexcitability and cramp generation. Injury to peripheral nerve components including the motor neuron cell bodies or the motor axons can result in ephaptic transmission and development of muscle cramps. Dysfunctional intramuscular small fiber sensory afferents are also proposed to be involved in cramp generation. The pathophysiology of myogenic muscle cramps, in contrast, is usually the result of disrupted energy production in muscle cells and occurs most commonly in metabolic myopathies associated with disorders of glycogen, lipid, or mitochondrial metabolism. Myopathic cramps are also a potential symptom of myopathies linked to muscle membrane or intramuscular structural dysfunction in acquired and hereditary myopathies. When no underlying cause is found, the term idiopathic muscle cramps is used. Physiologic stressors are a common precipitant to muscle cramps. The most common is dehydration, in which electrolyte loss disrupts neuromuscular junction function and membrane stability. Other physiologic stressors include unusually prolonged or strenuous exercise, particularly in a deconditioned state in which muscle tendon shortening is common. Pathologic states that disrupt the homeostatic environment or structural integrity of the neuromuscular axis or spinal connections also lead to muscle cramps. Neurologic conditions in which peripheral nerve is affected are particularly prone to muscle cramps as a positive motor symptom. Myopathic cramps are common in metabolic myopathies. If cramps are found to be an isolated finding not associated with any identifiable neurogenic, myogenic, or metabolic source, they can be labelled as idiopathic and treated as such.

• #20 Leg Cramps at Night: Causes, Pain Relief & Prevention

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14170-leg-cramps

  Leg cramps are painful, involuntary muscle contractions that can last seconds or minutes. […] Muscle cramps in your legs can last from several seconds to several minutes. […] Night leg cramps (nocturnal leg cramps) can happen to anyone at any age, but they happen most often to older adults. […] About 3 out of 4 reported cases of leg cramps happen at night. […] Unfortunately, leg cramps happen very suddenly. There aren’t any warning signs. […] A leg cramp feels like a clenched, contracted muscle tightened into a knot. It can be severely uncomfortable, painful or even unbearable. Your muscles in the area might hurt for hours after the cramp goes away. […] Some leg cramps happen for no known reason. These are called idiopathic cramps. […] Possible causes for leg cramps at night (nocturnal leg cramps) include: Sitting for long periods of time (like at a desk job).

• #21 Nocturnal Leg Cramps | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2012/0815/p350.html

  Up to 60 percent of adults report that they have had nocturnal leg cramps. The recurrent, painful tightening usually occurs in the calf muscles and can cause severe insomnia. […] Leg cramps (charley horses) are a common nocturnal symptom that can be difficult to manage because of uncertainties about etiology, appropriate diagnostic evaluation, and optimal treatment. Nocturnal leg cramps are reported by 50 to 60 percent of adults and by approximately 7 percent of children. They are slightly more common in women, and the prevalence increases with age. Up to 20 percent of patients who experience leg cramps have daily symptoms that are bothersome enough for the patient to seek medical attention. […] Leg cramps are painful and incapacitating, lasting an average of nine minutes per episode. The acute episode may be followed by hours of recurrent episodes and residual pain. Leg cramps are usually nocturnal and are associated with secondary insomnia.

• #22 Muscle Cramps: Symptoms, causes, treatments, and your questions answered.

  https://examine.com/conditions/muscle-cramps/?srsltid=AfmBOop5_hI7w4CQ9heIj_Y-eS_SLj7ITENfrBElDknaa2Wpg5Jzhomt

  While muscle cramps are commonly believed to be caused by dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, they are more likely due to muscle fatigue and nerve dysfunction. […] A clinical diagnosis of muscle cramps is made based on the presence of common symptoms and triggers. Symptoms are sudden muscle contraction with pain. The muscle contraction can be felt as hardness to the touch, and may also be seen in certain patients. […] Exercise associated muscle cramps (EAMC) can occur after vigorous exercise (often endurance-based), usually in a muscle that was just worked out. […] Another characteristic of muscle cramps is that they can occur when attempting to contract a muscle already at its shortest length. Muscle cramps can also occur at rest, or after a trivial movement, especially when the muscle is relaxed and shortened.

• #23 What Are Common Causes of Muscle Cramps and Spasms? – Scripps Health

  https://www.scripps.org/news_items/6374-common-triggers-for-muscle-spasms-and-cramps

  Youve probably experienced a muscle spasm or cramp that sharp stabbing pain in a muscle that wakens you from a deep sleep or trips up your run. A cramp is a sudden contraction or tightening of a muscle that usually lasts a few seconds to a few minutes. Cramps are caused by muscle spasms involuntary contractions of one or more muscles. Muscle cramps and spasms are most often experienced in the leg. However, hand or foot spasms, as well as cramps in the feet, arms and abdomen are also common. […] Muscle cramps and spasms are often a part of the bodys normal stress response, says Rio Dickens-Celestin, MD, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Clinic Carmel Valley. […] If you go on a long bike ride or do an intense workout, you might experience cramping. When the nerves running from the brain and spinal cord down to the muscle become overexcited, the muscle can respond by cramping. If you increase the intensity of your exercise routine too quickly, your muscles arent used to the new movement and that can trigger cramping as well. […] Electrolytes and other minerals are crucial to keeping your body balanced and free from cramps and spasms. In some cases, a lack of magnesium, calcium, sodium or potassium can contribute to cramping.

• #24 Muscle Cramp: Types, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

  https://www.medicinenet.com/muscle_cramps/article.htm

  Muscle cramps can be categorized into four major types. These include „True” cramps, Tetany, Contractures, and Dystonic cramps. True cramps involve part or all of a single muscle or a group of muscles that generally act together. Most authorities agree that true cramps are caused by hyperexcitability of the nerves that stimulate the muscles. They are overwhelmingly the most common type of skeletal muscle cramps. […] Rest cramps are very common, especially in older adults, but may be experienced at any age, including childhood. Rest muscle cramps often occur at night. While not life-threatening, night cramps (commonly known as nocturnal cramps) can be painful and disrupt sleep, and they can recur frequently (that is, many times a night, and/or many nights each week). What causes leg cramps at night? The actual cause of night cramps is unknown.

• #25 Healthy Aging: Muscle Cramps & Spasms | MUSC Health | Charleston SC

  https://muschealth.org/medical-services/geriatrics-and-aging/healthy-aging/cramps-and-spasms

  Cramps are associated with physical exertion. Even the best conditioned athletes can be brought to their knees and removed from competition because of cramps. The intense use of the muscles and the dehydration that occurs with perspiration together create the risk of cramping. The loss of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium with perspiration will lead to cramping of muscles. […] Some of the diseases associated with cramping include alcoholism, hypothyroidism, myopathies, renal disease with dialysis, and excessive sweating. Muscle spasms and cramping are increasingly common as we age. They generally are a benign problem that is self-limited and often preventable.

• #26 Know the Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Techniques of Arm Cramps

  https://www.careinsurance.com/blog/health-insurance-articles/arm-muscle-cramps-explained-symptoms-causes-and-treatment-options

  It begins as a throbbing pain, a slight tightening in your forearm. Before you know it, the uneasiness aggravates, requiring your attention to the wrenching pain in the upper arm muscles resisting to relax. An effortless motion turns into a massive struggle, as if your arms are crying for help. Sound familiar? Muscle spasms in the arm or cramps are not just a physical nuisance but a way for your body to indicate that something is wrong. […] Arm muscle spasms are forced muscle contractions leading to sudden discomfort, pain, and stiffness in the arm. These sudden occurrences can occur in the upper arm, forearm, and shoulder muscles. These spasms often interrupt an individual’s daily life and activities, lasting from a few seconds to minutes. […] Arm muscle cramps usually range from mild to severe. In mild cases, you might experience jumping off muscles by itself, along with muscle twitching. On the other hand, in severe cases, you will experience stiffness that appears like a tight ball. If a spasm is painful, you will feel lingering uneasiness in the area for a day or two. It is essential to know that if muscle cramps in any part of the body occurs as a result of neurological condition, following symptoms are experienced:

• #27 Leg Cramps at Night: Causes, Pain Relief & Prevention

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14170-leg-cramps

  Sometimes, leg cramps happen for no reason, but other times, they could be a sign or symptom of a health condition. […] Leg cramps can be a sign of serious conditions, including: ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Lou Gehrig’s disease): Progressive neuromuscular disease. […] Leg cramps don’t have a cure at this time. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent and manage your leg cramps. […] It depends on the person. Some people see improvement with prevention and treatment plans, while others struggle. Your cramps may feel worse and happen more often as you age. […] See a healthcare provider if your leg cramps are unbearably painful, happen frequently or last for a long time. […] Go to the emergency room if a leg cramp lasts longer than 10 minutes or becomes unbearably painful.

• #28 The Natural History of Muscle Cramps in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4775451/

  Muscle cramping is a common symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) without efficacious treatment. The natural history of this symptom is unknown, which hampers efforts to design optimal clinical trials. […] Cramps developed in 95% of patients over the course of their disease. The number of cramps experienced by an individual varied widely from month-to-month and trended lower after the first year of illness. […] Muscle cramps were a common symptom of ALS, occurring in 95% of our cohort at some point during their disease course. There was marked variability in the severity and frequency of cramps among these ALS patients. Most never experienced frequent cramps, but nearly a quarter of patients experienced over 100 cramps during a month. […] In conclusion, muscle cramps are a nearly universal occurrence (95%) during the course of ALS and are a major source of pain for about a quarter of patients at some point in their illness. Cramps develop early in the illness and show a trend to decrease over subsequent years. The number of cramps varies widely from month to month in those with frequent cramps. Older patients and those with limb-onset ALS report more cramps than younger and bulbar-onset ALS patients. An improved understanding of the natural history of cramps will help guide future clinical trials.

• #29 Muscle Cramps (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment)

  https://patient.info/doctor/muscle-cramps

  Muscle cramps are very common and 'cramp’ is usually taken to mean 'a spasmodic, painful, involuntary contraction of skeletal muscle’. Cramps usually last for a few seconds (but may last up to several minutes) and cease spontaneously, although pain and tenderness may persist for several hours afterwards. […] Most leg cramps occur when at rest during the night, but some people experience daytime cramps, especially if there is an underlying cause. […] Up to 60% of adults report that they have had nocturnal leg cramps. The problem is often distressing, impacting on sleep, and has an adverse effect on quality of life. […] Pregnant women – up to 30% of women can be affected by leg cramps during pregnancy. […] Muscle cramps are common in children, especially at night. […] Those with metabolic disorders; for example, 50% of patients with uraemia and 20-50% of those with hypothyroidism complain of muscle cramps.

• #30 Cramp – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cramp

  Nocturnal leg cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that occur in the calves, soles of the feet, or other muscles in the body during the night or (less commonly) while resting. The duration of nocturnal leg cramps is variable, with cramps lasting anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Muscle soreness may remain after the cramp itself ends. These cramps are more common in older people. They happen quite frequently in teenagers and some people while exercising at night. Besides being painful, a nocturnal leg cramp can cause much distress and anxiety. The precise cause of these cramps is unclear. Potential contributing factors include dehydration, low levels of certain minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium, although the evidence has been mixed), and reduced blood flow through muscles attendant in prolonged sitting or lying down. Nocturnal leg cramps (almost exclusively calf cramps) are considered „normal” during the late stages of pregnancy. They can, however, vary in intensity from mild to extremely painful.

• #31 Muscle cramps Information | Mount Sinai – New York

  https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/muscle-cramps

  Muscle cramps are when a muscle gets tight (contracts) without you trying to tighten it, and it does not relax. Cramps may involve all or part of one or more muscles. […] Muscle cramps are common and may be stopped by stretching the muscle. The cramping muscle may feel hard or bulging. […] Muscle cramps are common and often occur when a muscle is overused or injured. Working out when you have not had enough fluids (dehydration) or when you have low levels of minerals such as sodium, potassium, or calcium can also make you more likely to have a muscle spasm. […] If you have a muscle cramp, stop your activity and try stretching and massaging the muscle. […] Contact your provider if your muscle cramps: Are severe, Do not go away with simple stretching, Keep coming back, Last a long time.

• #32 Muscle Spasms: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention – CK Birla Hospital

  https://www.ckbhospital.com/blogs/muscle-spasms-causes-symptoms-and-prevention/

  Muscle spasms, a charley horse, muscle cramps, or twitch, are sudden, involuntary contractions that can affect anyone at any time, day or night. […] Cramps or twitches usually affect muscles in the lower back, the front of the thigh, the neck, and the back of the thing, often leading to muscle spasms in the back. […] Most muscles twitch resolve spontaneously within 10 minutes but can last up to one hour. They often occur irregularly, appearing and disappearing spontaneously over long periods, regardless of treatment. […] Acute muscle spasms in the lower back are common symptom often associated with the lower back or neck. […] This can be distressing and restricting, even very painful. […] Chronic muscle spasms are persistent, recurrent contractions that continue over a long period.

• #33 The Cinderella symptom: Muscle cramps in MND – MND Research Blog

  https://mndresearch.blog/2015/12/12/the-cinderella-symptom-muscle-cramps-in-mnd/

  While muscle cramps are a very common symptom of motor neurone disease (MND) there is currently few effective ways of management and treatment. […] A lack of research means we do not know how frequently people who have MND experience muscle cramps, how severe they are and whether the nature of the muscle cramps change as a persons ALS progresses. […] They aimed to answer important questions about the frequency, severity and progression of muscle cramps. […] Muscle cramps were symptoms for 92% of those who took part in survey, and was the first symptom experienced by 20% of people. […] Compared to when their MND began 48% felt their cramps had increased in frequency, 23% said there had been no change and 29% though their cramps had decreased in frequency. […] Even though muscle cramps are a common symptom of MND, it looks like they would not be a suitable way of tracking the progression of this disease. The researchers on this study found no relationship between muscle cramps and disease progression. This means they cannot be used as a reliable marker of what stage someones MND has reached. […] This study highlights the need for more research into the management of muscle cramps, particularly in the best way to reduce their pain and severity.

• #34 Cramp | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Britannica

  https://www.britannica.com/science/cramp

  cramp, painful, involuntary, and sustained contraction of muscle, most common in the limbs but also affecting certain internal organs. […] Cramps of the muscles of the extremities may occur in a variety of circumstances. […] Severe cramp in the calf of a leg can awaken people from a sound sleep. […] Menstrual cramps, which involve contractions of the uterine muscle, occur before or during menstruation and may last from several hours to a day. […] Heat cramps in the muscles of the extremities or abdomen stem from loss of salt after periods of profuse perspiration. […] Professional or occupational cramp is a functional spasm affecting certain muscles that are used constantly in a daily occupation. […] Cramping usually fails to occur when the same muscles are employed in tasks not associated with the occupation, suggesting a psychological basis for the disorder. […] Cramps are particularly bothersome in victims of Parkinsons disease and Huntingtons chorea. […] Tetany is a severe form of cramping that is noticed first in muscles located in the extremities.

• #35 Nocturnal Leg Cramps | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2012/0815/p350.html

  The precise mechanism of leg cramps is unknown, but several myopathic, neurologic, and metabolic causes have been suggested. Most cases of leg cramps are idiopathic. […] Exercise research suggests that muscle fatigue is a primary cause of leg cramps. Studies of endurance athletes show that a higher-than-normal intensity of exercise is associated with leg cramps. […] Muscle cramps are reported as an adverse effect for hundreds of medications, but only a few are specific to the legs. Medication-related leg cramps are most commonly associated with intravenous iron sucrose, conjugated estrogens, raloxifene (Evista), naproxen (Naprosyn), and teriparatide (Forteo), although the overall incidence is very low. […] Several medical conditions are associated with leg cramps. A study of outpatient veterans reported leg cramps in 75 percent of those with peripheral vascular disease, 63 percent of those with hypokalemia, and 62 percent of those with coronary artery disease.

• #36 Muscle Cramp: Types, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

  https://www.medicinenet.com/muscle_cramps/article.htm

  In tetany, all of the nerve cells in the body are activated, which then stimulate the muscles. This reaction causes spasms or cramps throughout the body. […] The final category is dystonic cramps, in which muscles that are not needed for the intended movement are stimulated to contract. […] A contracture is a condition that may mimic a muscle cramp. […] Not all cramps fit into the categories mentioned above since these categories best apply to cramps that make up an individual’s major muscle problem. […] Numerous medicines can cause cramps. Potent diuretic medications, such as furosemide (Lasix), or the vigorous removal of body fluids, even with less potent diuretics, can induce cramps by depleting body fluid and sodium. […] Several vitamin deficiency states may directly or indirectly lead to muscle cramps.

• #37 Muscle Cramps: Symptoms, causes, treatments, and your questions answered.

  https://examine.com/conditions/muscle-cramps/?srsltid=AfmBOop5_hI7w4CQ9heIj_Y-eS_SLj7ITENfrBElDknaa2Wpg5Jzhomt

  The underlying cause of muscle cramps is not well understood. Much of the evidence is nonscientific or observational. […] One hypothesis for the cause of muscle cramps is because of dehydration and/or electrolyte abnormalities. However, trials have shown no significant correlations between hydration, serum electrolyte levels, and muscle cramps. […] A stronger hypothesis may be muscle fatigue and nerve dysfunction, and would help to explain why muscle cramps can occur after changes to exercise (e.g., unusually high volume or intensity, or unusual heat or humidity in the environment).

• #38 There May Be a Larger Issue at Play behind Your Muscle Spasms – Mobility Bone & Joint Institute

  https://mobilityboneandjoint.com/muscle-spasms/

  Loss of body fluids through sweat, particularly during intense exercise or in hot weather, can lead to dehydration, which in turn can trigger muscle spasms. […] Maintaining a single position for an extended period, such as sitting in a cramped airplane seat or sleeping in an awkward position, can restrict blood flow to muscles and lead to spasms. […] Insufficient intake of potassium, calcium, or magnesium in the diet can contribute to muscle spasms.

• #39 Muscle Cramps – Parkinson’s Ireland

  https://www.parkinsons.ie/understanding-parkinsons/symptoms/non-movement-related-symptoms/muscle-cramps/

  Dystonia in PD can also be associated with the action of levodopa itself as the medication reaches its peak effectiveness. This is known as On dystonia and is caused by too much dopamine in the brain over-stimulating the muscles. […] Finally, dystonia in PD may be unrelated to the dose of levodopa and can occur as a feature of the condition itself. This can happen at any time of the day, but is usually briefer than dystonias related to levodopa.

• #40 Painful Leg Cramps Can Stop You in Your Tracks | University Hospitals

  https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2023/06/painful-leg-cramps-can-stop-you-in-your-tracks

  Leg cramps can strike at any time while walking, running, sitting, even sleeping. Suddenly the muscles in your calf or thigh seize up and become locked in a contracted position, causing intense pain that can last from a few seconds to ten minutes or more. Once the spasm has passed, some people may experience muscle soreness for hours or days afterwards. […] Muscle spasms in the legs are quite common and can occur in people of any age however, they are more prevalent in older adults, with nearly 60 percent of people over 50 reporting having leg cramps either occasionally or with some frequency. […] After the immediate pain has subsided, any lingering muscle soreness can be relieved with a warm bath and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. […] Although leg cramps are generally harmless, if you have severe, persistent cramps that disrupt your sleep and affect your quality of life, its time to talk to your doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition contributing to the spasms that needs to be diagnosed and treated.

• #41 Leg Pain

  https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/leg-pain/

  Muscle cramps are also covered. […] Brief pains (1 to 15 minutes) are often due to muscle spasms (cramps). […] Muscle cramps that occur during hard work or sports are called heat cramps. […] Muscle cramps in the feet or calf muscles occur in a third of children. […] Muscle cramps usually last 5 to 30 minutes. […] Once they go away, the muscle returns to normal quickly. […] Call Your Doctor If: Muscle cramps occur often.

• #42 Leg cramps | NHS inform

  https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/leg-and-foot-problems-and-conditions/leg-cramps/

  Your GP will ask about your symptoms and examine your legs and feet. They may also ask if you have other symptoms, like numbness or swelling. This may be a sign that you have secondary leg cramps caused by an underlying condition. […] The cause of leg cramps is sometimes unknown (idiopathic). In other cases, there may be an underlying condition or identifiable cause (secondary leg cramps). […] Secondary leg cramps are caused by an underlying condition or another identifiable cause like: pregnancy the extra weight of pregnancy can place strain on the leg muscles, making them more vulnerable to cramping. […] If you have secondary leg cramps, treating the underlying cause may help relieve your symptoms. […] Most cases of leg cramps can be relieved by exercising the affected muscles. Exercising your legs during the day will often help reduce how often you get cramping episodes. […] If you often get leg cramps, regularly stretching the muscles in your lower legs may help prevent the cramps or reduce their frequency.

• #43 Leg Cramps and Cancer: What’s the Connection?

  https://www.cancercenter.com/integrative-care/leg-cramps

  You may have had leg cramps and muscle spasms before cancer, such as after intense exercise or when you weren’t hydrated enough. But for some cancer patients, what once was an occasional annoyance may become a constant issue. Persistent cramping of the leg and other muscles is a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatment, especially at night, which may affect sleep. […] A muscle cramp or spasm is a painful tightening of a muscle. It may be sudden, and the muscle may feel tight or stiff. It may make it hard to move the muscle, but it usually lasts only a few minutes. […] Its most common in the legthigh, calf, ankle or footbut may happen in any muscle, including in the hands, arms, abdomen and along the rib cage. Healthy people have plenty of muscle cramps, usually due to straining or overusing a muscle. However, certain factors may increase the likelihood, including older age, pregnancy, being overweight and being an athlete.

• #44 Leg Cramps and Cancer: What’s the Connection?

  https://www.cancercenter.com/integrative-care/leg-cramps

  More generally, everyday causes of leg cramps may be exacerbated by cancer, cancer-related conditions or cancer treatment. General factors that may lead to more leg cramps include: Inactivity (such as staying in bed), Overuse of muscles, Dehydration, Changing levels of minerals (electrolytes) in the blood, including phosphate, calcium or potassium, Temperature changes, Pinched nerve or spinal cord injury that compresses the nerves, Lack of blood to the muscles, Pregnancy, Dialysis. […] If your muscle cramps are severe or frequent, your doctor may prescribe a temporary muscle relaxant or a prescription pain medication. […] Cramps that won’t go away after cold, massaging or stretching. Cramps lasting for longer than six hours. Cramps that come with, or lead to, muscle weakness.

• #45 Muscle cramp – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscle-cramp/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350825

  Self-care measures usually can treat muscle cramps. […] If you keep getting cramps that wake you from sleep, a care provider might prescribe medicine to relax muscles or help you sleep. […] See a health care provider if you have muscle cramps often that are severe and not getting better with self-care. […] For muscle cramps, questions to ask your provider might include: What’s likely causing my cramps? […] Your provider is likely to ask you questions, including: How often do you get cramps and how bad are they?

• #46 Muscle Cramps – Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/brain-spinal-cord-and-nerve-disorders/symptoms-of-brain-spinal-cord-and-nerve-disorders/muscle-cramps

  In people with muscle cramps, the following symptoms and characteristics are of particular concern: Cramps in the arms or trunk, Muscle twitching, Signs of alcohol use disorder, such as a history of consuming large amounts of alcohol, spider veins, and red palms, Weakness, Cramps that occur after loss of body fluids (dehydration) or use of diuretics, Pain or loss of sensation unless they occur at the same time as the cramping. […] If a cramp occurs, stretching the affected muscle often relieves the cramp. For example, for a calf cramp, the person could use a hand to pull the foot and toes upward or could do the runner’s stretch.

• #47 Leg Cramps | Side Effects of Cancer | American Cancer Society

  https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/pain/leg-cramps.html

  Cancer and its treatment may cause leg cramps and other types of muscle cramps. Cramps or spasms are painful tightening of the muscles in the leg, ankle, or foot. […] Sudden pain or discomfort in a leg or foot and a tight or stiff muscle. […] Trouble moving the foot, or pain when moving the foot or leg. […] Changes in your quality of sleep if leg cramps happen at night. […] Your cancer care team can help create a plan to manage leg cramps. […] They might also prescribe a muscle relaxant if your leg cramps are severe or frequent. […] When you have a cramp, sit up or stand up to stretch the tight muscle as much as you can without hurting it. For example, for a calf muscle cramp, try pointing the toes upward toward the knees, or walk around. […] Call the cancer care team right away if your loved one has cramping that lasts for more than 6 to 8 hours.

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