17/07/2026
**Muscle cramps** = sudden, involuntary, painful tightening of a muscle.
Most common in calves, thighs, feet, and hands. They usually last seconds to minutes.
# # # **1. Common causes**
# # # # **A. Lifestyle / Everyday causes**
1. **Dehydration** - Not enough fluids β electrolyte imbalance
2. **Electrolyte loss** - Low potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium. Happens with sweating, vomiting, diarrhea
3. **Overuse / muscle fatigue** - Long exercise, heavy work, or new activity
4. **Poor blood flow** - Sitting/standing too long, tight position
5. **Cold muscles** - Exercising in cold weather
# # # # **B. Medical causes**
1. **Nerve problems** - Pinched nerve, sciatica, lumbar stenosis
2. **Poor circulation** - Peripheral artery disease β cramps with walking
3. **Pregnancy** - Especially 2nd and 3rd trimester, due to extra weight + electrolyte changes
4. **Kidney disease** - Dialysis patients get cramps often
5. **Thyroid problems** - Both hypo and hyperthyroidism
6. **Diabetes** - Nerve damage can cause cramps
7. **Liver disease**
# # # # **C. Medications**
Some drugs can trigger cramps:
- **Diuretics** "water pills" β lose potassium/magnesium
- **Statins** for cholesterol
- **Asthma inhalers** like salbutamol
- **Birth control pills**
- **Some BP drugs**
# # # # **D. Other**
1. **Restless legs syndrome** - usually at night
2. **Nutritional deficiencies** - Low B vitamins, magnesium
3. **Alcohol use**
# # # **2. Night cramps vs Exercise cramps**
| **Type** | **When** | **Common cause** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Exercise-associated** | During/after exercise | Dehydration, muscle fatigue, electrolyte loss |
| **Nocturnal leg cramps** | At night, when resting | Age >50, prolonged sitting, poor circulation, pregnancy |
| **Pathological** | Any time + other symptoms | Nerve disease, kidney disease, circulation problems |
# # # **3. When to see a doctor**
Go to hospital if cramps are:
1. **Very frequent** and severe
2. **Not linked to exercise** and last a long time
3. **With swe
