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OverviewTreatment

Muscle cramps

Definition:

Muscle cramps are involuntary and often painful contractions of the muscles which produce a hard, bulging muscle.

Muscle twitching (fasciculation) is the result of spontaneous local muscle contractions that are involuntary and typically only affect individual muscle groups connected to (innervated by) a particular motor neuron. This twitching does not cause pain.



Alternative Names:
Cramps - muscle

Considerations:
Ordinary muscle cramps are common and may be stopped by stretching the affected muscle.

Muscle twitches are minor and often go unnoticed. Some are common and normal, while others indicate a neurologic disorder.

Common Causes:
Muscle spasms can cause cramps and are usually brought on by the following: Muscle twitching may lead to cramping and may involve the following:
  • Benign, nonpathologic fasciculations (not caused by disease or disorders)
    • often affect the eyelids, calf or thumb
    • normal and quite common, often triggered by stress, anxiety
  • Diet deficiency
  • Side effects of drugs, especially diuretics or caffeine

More serious causes of fasciculations such as motor neuron disease, muscle diseases, or denervation are usually accompanied by weakness and atrophy of the affected muscle group as well as other signs and symptoms.



Review Date: 10/29/2002
Reviewed By: Steven Angelo, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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