Muscle spasms, also called muscle cramps involve the involuntary contraction of a skeletal muscle. They can occur for a variety of reasons and are often quite painful. A “charlie horse” is a common type of muscle spasm that many people have experienced. However, as you become more fit and push your body closer to its limits, you may experience other muscle cramps. Though fairly common, muscle spasms don’t have to be a regular part of your life.
Muscle spasms can occur when muscles are tired or have been in a single position for a long time. They can also be exacerbated by dehydration or poor nutrition. Sometimes a sudden movement brings about the spasm while other times they appear to be completely unprovoked.
If you experience a muscle spasm, your first reaction is to reach for it. This is good. Massage can help ease the cramp, though it may not provide instant relief. Rub the affected muscle and apply ice if the pain remains once the contraction is over.
The key to managing muscle spasms is in preventing them from occurring in the first place. One of the greatest defenses against muscle spasms is proper hydration. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to ensure your body has the fluids it needs to function.
Proper stretching is another good way to ensure your experience with cramps stays minimal. Stretch both before and after a workout. This will also reduce muscle soreness from your workout. Make stretching a normal part of your day and take a look at this blog post to get some ideas on how to make that happen.
Proper nutrition is also important in preventing muscle spasms. Evidence shows that cramps and muscle spasms are more common in people with low potassium levels. Try taking a daily multivitamin to ensure you are getting a proper balance of nutrition every single day. This banana protein shake recipe will also help you add potassium to your daily diet.
Dec 19, 2009 @ 16:20:30
This is internet pollution! You say nothing meaningful about how to treat mucle spasm.
Dec 19, 2009 @ 20:58:07
Hi Jim,
We’re sorry you’re unhappy with our post on muscle spasms. We do try to provide meaningful info on topics that affect our readers, who are typically involved in home workouts.
There are quite a few recommendations for prevention in this post, but perhaps you’re right, maybe we should have provided a few more words of wisdom on treatment. I’m going to place a request for our writers to do some research and offer a focused article specifically on the treatment of muscle spasms. Thanks for your feedback, it’s important that we give our readers exactly what they’re looking for.
-Matt
Staff