Conditions That Cause or Contribute to Muscle Cramps
Category | Examples |
|---|---|
Medications and other substances | |
Use of certain medications and other substances | Stimulants, such as amphetamines, caffeinenicotine |
Sudden stopping of a drug or medication | Sedatives, such as alcohol, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines Medications used to treat insomnia or anxiety |
Disorders | |
Metabolic and hormonal (endocrine) disorders | Low levels of potassium (hypokalemia), low levels of magnesium (hypomagnesemia), or low levels of calcium (hypocalcemia) Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) |
Musculoskeletal disorders | Tight calf muscles Myopathies (disorders that affect muscle) Structural disorders, such as flat feet or genu recurvatum (a deformity of the knee joint that causes the knee to bend backward) |
Nerve disorders | Motor neuron disease (nerve disorders that affect voluntary muscles—those controlled by conscious effort) Peripheral neuropathies (damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord) Compression of a spinal nerve root |
Water balance disorders | Excessive sweating with inadequate replacement of salt or potassium Effects of dialysis—for example, if too much fluid is removed from the body or if fluid is removed too quickly |
Other conditions | |
Exercise and lifestyle | Cramping during or soon after exercise Sitting for a long time |