Muscle cramps at night? They might be warning you about something bigger

Muscle cramps are sudden, painful contractions caused by dehydration, nerve issues or electrolyte imbalance. Know the causes, diagnosis and treatment (Image: Pexels)

A muscle cramp can present as a sudden and painful contraction of the muscle, often involuntary, that may last for a few seconds to some minutes. The affected muscle usually hardens during the period of sustained contraction of the muscles.

What causes muscle cramp?

Cramps occur as a result of hyper-excitability of the motor nerves (nerves responsible for movement) in the peripheries. Increased excitability causes excessive firing of the motor neurons, which is a result of complex metabolic disturbances and changes in the neuro-muscular junction.

Muscle cramps are more commonly seen in the calf muscles, things, arches of the feet and even in the hands. However, cramps are not limited to these areas and may be seen in  any voluntary muscle. Quite often, cramps in the calf are experienced while sleeping at night (nocturnal leg cramps).

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When Do They Happen?

Repetitive manual tasks or writing can cause frequent cramping of the hands and the arms. Cramps can even occur in healthy individuals following strenuous exercises or dehydration. Even electrolyte imbalance in the body can result in the development of muscle cramps.

However, there are some pathological reasons also because of which persons can experience muscle cramps. Diseases like peripheral neuropathy, motor neuron disease like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and endocrine problems lie reduced levels of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) can also lead to muscle cramps. Any changes in the levels of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium, along with magnesium, can potentially lead to muscle cramps. Reduced levels of calcium and magnesium increase the excitability of the neurons, while reduced sodium levels and dehydration can affect normal muscle function.

Some medications have also been implicated in the development of muscle cramps.

Diagnosis and treatment

While the diagnosis is mostly clinical, electromyography may be advised to check the discharges from motor units during cramping episodes. The levels of serum electrolytes must be assessed, along with the renal function test and the liver function test. A thyroid profile may be done to rule out pathological causes.

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Symptomatic relief may be offered by stretching and massaging. Hydration is necessary, and so is the correction of electrolytes. While cramps may be common in athletes, recurrent ones may need a check-up to rule out any underlying cause.

FAQs on Muscle Cramps:

1. What are the common causes of muscle cramps?

Muscle cramps can be caused by hyper-excitability of motor nerves, strenuous exercise, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, diseases like peripheral neuropathy, and certain medications.

2. Which areas of the body are most commonly affected by muscle cramps?

Muscle cramps are more commonly seen in the calf muscles, thighs, arches of the feet, and hands, but they can occur in any voluntary muscle.

3. How can muscle cramps be treated?

Treatment for muscle cramps includes stretching, massaging the affected muscle, staying hydrated, and correcting electrolyte imbalances. Persistent cramps may require a medical check-up to rule out underlying causes.

4. When should I seek medical attention for muscle cramps?

If you experience recurrent muscle cramps, especially without an obvious cause, you should seek medical attention to rule out underlying health conditions.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.