#Muscle_cramps ☆ Are sudden, involuntary contractions or spasms in one or more of your muscles. They are very common and often occur after exercise. Some people get muscle cramps, especially leg cramps, at night. They can be painful, and they may last a few seconds to several minutes. You can have a cramp in any muscle, but they happen most often in the ThighsFeetHandsArmsAbdomenArea along your ribcageWhat causes muscle cramps? ●Causes of muscle cramps include: ☆Straining or overusing a muscle. This is the most common cause.Compression of your nerves, from problems such as a spinal cord injury or a pinched nerve in the neck or backDehydrationLow levels of electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, or calciumNot enough blood getting to your musclesPregnancyCertain medicinesGetting dialysis Sometimes the cause is not known. ●Who is at risk for muscle cramps? ☆Anyone can get muscle cramps, but they are more common in some people: Older adultsPeople who are overweightAthletesPregnant womenPeople with certain medical conditions, such as thyroid and nerve disordersWhen do I need to see a health care provider about muscle cramps? ☆Muscle cramps are usually harmless, and they go away after a few minutes. But you should contact your health care provider if the cramps Are severeHappen frequentlyDon't get better with stretching and drinking enough fluidsLast a long timeAre accompanied by swelling, redness, or a feeling of warmthAre accompanied by muscle weaknessWhat are the treatments for muscle cramps? ☆ You usually don't need treatment for muscle cramps. You may be able to find some relief from cramps by ☆Stretching or gently massaging the muscleApplying heat when the muscle is tight and ice when the muscle is soreGetting more fluids if you are dehydrated ☆If another medical problem is causing the cramps, treating that problem will likely help. There are medicines that providers sometimes prescribe to prevent cramps, but they are not always effective and may cause side effects. Talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of medicines. ●Can muscle cramps be prevented? To prevent muscle cramps, you can Stretch your muscles, especially before exercising. If you often get leg cramps at night, stretch your leg muscles before bed.Drink plenty of liquids. If you do intense exercise or exercise in the heat, sports drinks can help you replace electrolytes.