what are muscle cramps caused by?
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Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle strain or simply holding a position for a prolonged period can cause a muscle cramp. In many cases, however, the cause isn't known. Although most muscle cramps are harmless, some may be related to an underlying medical condition, such as: Inadequate blood supply.
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Scientists have discovered that the number and severity of muscle cramps that can occur in type 1 diabetes are linked to certain nerve fibres. Muscle cramps can be common among people with type 1 diabetes, with high blood glucose levels and nerve damage among the possible causes.
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Bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, yogurt, and nuts are rich in those muscle-friendly minerals and may ward off the deficiencies that could cause leg cramps.
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Cramps are also more likely to occur if your body is low in minerals like sodium, calcium, and potassium, which play critical roles in muscle function. Poor diet, dehydration, and use of medications such as diuretics can all be associated with mineral depletion.
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You Often Have Muscle Cramps or Spasms Most often, our circulatory system wins, which means our muscles have to take a backseat. If the muscles aren't surrounded by enough water and sodium, they become extremely sensitive, causing involuntary muscle contractions or spasms.
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What Causes Cramps While Running? The origin of a cramp depends on the type. Side cramp or ''stitch": This cramp strikes you in the side, as the name implies, or even in the lower abdominal area. It's mainly the result of shallow breathing, not breathing deeply from the lower lung, says Jeff Galloway, a 1972 Olympian.
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Several conditions can cause cramps but no period. Pelvic pain similar to a menstrual period can happen at times when no period is due or can occur because of conditions other than the monthly cycle. Sometimes it is hard to tell the exact reason for cramps that feel like a menstrual period.
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Electrolyte imbalances can cause the muscles to cramp and spasm. Sometimes, dehydration causes an electrolyte imbalance. In other cases, an underlying medical condition may be the culprit. Tetany, which is due to low levels of calcium, is an electrolyte imbalance that may cause muscle cramps.
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What causes abdominal muscle spasm? Like any other muscle in the human body, your abdominal muscles can have spasms as a result of muscle strain during heavy use or overuse, fatigue, dehydration, and alcohol or drug use. Abdominal muscle strain is a common injury among athletes and can cause muscle spasms.
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Additionally, certain vitamins and minerals impact muscle function, particularly potassium and magnesium. A significant body of research has found that increasing your magnesium intake can help with the frequency of night time leg cramps, especially for pregnant women.
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['Weakness and Fatigue. Share on Pinterest. ... ', 'Muscle Cramps and Spasms. Muscle cramps are sudden, uncontrolled contractions of the muscles. ... ', 'Digestive Problems. ... ', 'Heart Palpitations. ... ', 'Muscle Aches and Stiffness. ... ', 'Tingling and Numbness. ... ', 'Breathing Difficulties. ... ', 'Mood Changes.']
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As such, dehydration is a common cause of cramping in the legs. The idea is that when you aren't sufficiently hydrated, your muscles may stop functioning optimally and start to spasm. Is it possible you aren't drinking enough water? This could be the reason for the spasms in your leg muscles.
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Prostaglandins trigger muscle contractions, which is when the muscles contract and squeeze strongly and it can cut off oxygen to your uterus – this right here is what causes the painful menstrual cramps.
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A sustained muscle spasm is called a muscle cramp. Leg muscles, especially the quadriceps (thigh), hamstrings (back of thigh), and gastrocnemius (calves), are most likely to cramp, but any skeletal muscle in the body can cramp. A “charley horse” is another name for a muscle cramp.
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Foot cramps happen when a muscle in your foot suddenly squeezes and can't relax. The feeling you get ranges from a slight tic to an intense spasm that causes a lot of pain. Foot cramps are usually harmless. Often, you can take care of the pain yourself at home.
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Sometimes, exertion or fatigue can cause muscle spasms. However, if there is not an obvious cause, you should see a neurological doctor for muscle spasms and cramps.
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During your period, your uterus contracts to help shed its lining. These contractions are triggered by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more severe menstrual cramps. Some people tend to have more severe menstrual cramps without any clear cause.