Health Topics for Bones, Joints and Muscles

Bone and Muscle Cancer

Department of Orthopaedics

Sports Related Injuries

Rheumatology Clinic

Pediatrics Rheumatology

UI Spine Center

Muscle cramps and spasms

Everyone has felt the sharp pain of a muscle that contracts suddenly and refuses to relax. Usually muscle cramps last only a few minutes. Sometimes they occur at night. They are usually called a "charley horse."

The causes of muscle cramps and spasms are many and varied. They may include:

• working a muscle too hard
• staying in the same position too long
• not drinking enough water while exercising or working
• doing a new activity that your muscles are not used to and
• not stretching before and after a physical activity

Sometimes a medical problem may cause muscle cramps. Some drugs, and drinking too much alcohol can cause muscle cramps. A healthcare provider should be seen for frequent muscle cramps or spasms or a cramp that does not relax with stretching.

Treatment of a cramp is easy. Start with stretching the muscle and gently rub it. For a cramp in the calf of the leg, stand on the leg with the knee bent slightly. If the cramp happens when in bed, pull the foot toward the head while keeping the leg straight. Apply a heating pad on low for 15 to 20 minutes to help the tense muscle relax. A cloth-covered ice pack for no more than 20 minutes can be put on sore or tender muscles.

Drink lots of water before and during exercise to help prevent muscle cramps. If the exercise is in the heat or lasts longer than one hour, drink fruit juice or a sports drink. Stretching exercises before and after working out stretch those muscles most likely to cramp. There should always be an activity warm-up period before stretching.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File BONE4236.RF2 VRS# 7447 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2002-2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.