Muscle Spasms: Common Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

 A muscle spasm, also called a muscle cramp, is an involuntary contraction of a muscle. At Altus Emergency Centers, we’re an emergency room in 77566. From day to day, our staff sees numerous people for muscle spasms and cramps.

A muscle spasm usually happens suddenly. It’s often painful but is very temporary. Something to note is that a muscle spasm is completely different from a twitch. When your muscle twitches, it’s an uncontrolled movement of small parts of a larger muscle.

Common Causes of Muscle Spasms

Before you start searching for “emergency room near me” or “emergency services near me” when experiencing a muscle spasm, it’s best to know the underlying cause. Not every cramp or spasm requires a trip to the emergency room. Knowing the causes can save you time, stress, and a lot of money on medical bills. 

You’ll want to consider which muscle is spasming. Have you overworked, strained, or previously injured any muscles in your body? As providers of ER treatment in Lake Jackson, we’ve seen people come in for muscle spasms when they simply overstretched during a workout. Other common causes of muscle spasms are:

  • Prolonged heat exposure
  • Using strained muscles
  • Occupational issues 
  • Overuse in daily activities
  • Gallstones
  • Not stretching enough
  • Muscle fatigue
  • Dehydration
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Kidney stones
  • Restriction in the blood supply
  • Depletion of electrolytes
  • Stress

Treatment For Muscle Spasms

Thankfully, the majority of muscle spasms won’t have you searching for an “er near me.” Many of the treatment options you can do from home without needing to run to the pharmacy. Common treatment from muscle spasms includes:

  • Massaging the area
  • Stretching
  • Applying ice or heat 
  • Mild exercise 
  • Nonprescription pain reliever 
  • Staying hydrated 
  • Hyperventilation
  • Topical creams

When is it time to seek medical attention for muscle spasms? If you have any of the following symptoms with muscle cramps, seek medical attention immediately.

●       Leg swelling

●       Redness

●       Muscle weakness

●       Frequent spasms

●       Feel persistent or severe pain

●       Trying the methods above without relief

Muscle spasms and cramps are easily prevented if not caused by a serious underlying condition. Don’t be afraid to be diligent and seek medical help if you’re concerned.

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