Muscle cramps are painful, but they can be prevented.

1. About Muscle Cramps

2. Muscle cramps are painful, but they can be
prevented.
Causes of Cramps
A cramp is when the muscle spasm is
“forceful and sustained”. Spasms and
cramps are painful. The most common
locations for cramps and spasms are the
quadriceps, calves, hamstrings, back, hands,
arms, and feet. It is thought that cramps can
come from fatigued muscles and not enough
stretching. Overexertion, poor fitness, and
dehydration are other potential causes.

3. Medications can deplete the body of magnesium, sodium, and potassium, which can lead to cramps. Certain injuries and medical
conditions can also lead to cramps and spasms.1 Typically, cramps are experienced at night or after exercise. They may also be
related to a pinched nerve in the back or neck, or a spinal cord injury.2 The sharp pains can last seconds or minutes. Cramps
may be accompanied by a “lump of muscle tissue” under the skin.3 Sometimes cramps are called “charley horses”. Read more.