What Causes Muscle Cramps?

What Causes Muscle Cramps?

If you’ve experienced a muscle cramp before, you know it can be painful and disruptive. Often, muscle cramps can make it feel impossible to move or function.


So, what causes muscle cramps and can we prevent them? 

WHAT CAUSES MUSCLE CRAMPS?

Muscle cramps are an involuntary, often sudden muscle contraction. They typically occur in the legs, and sometimes the contraction can even be visible or felt as a lump under the skin.

Muscle cramps, sometimes referred to as a charley horse, typically go away on their own and aren’t serious cause for concern. However, they can be a cause for concern if they occur frequently, don’t get better with self-care, or cause muscle weakness.

Typically, muscle cramps are caused by overexertion, strain, or dehydration. They can also be common during pregnancy or as you age, due to a decrease in muscle mass.


Those who exercise regularly may experience muscle cramps, especially when outside in the heat, or when they haven’t had a sufficient amount of water.


They can also be caused by underlying conditions like poor blood flow, nerve compression or a mineral deficiency.


If your arteries narrow while you’re exercising, this can reduce the blood supply to the muscles in your legs, putting you at greater risk for a cramp. Hypothyroidism is associated with cramping. Low levels of electrolytes are also a cause of muscle cramping. Some medications and alcohol can also lead to muscle cramping. Many cramps occur at night and these are called sleep-related leg cramps. These generally affect the foot and calf muscles and they are benign.


When it comes to mineral deficiency causing cramps, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting plenty of potassium, magnesium and calcium. Certain medications, like diuretics can make it more difficult for you to maintain these nutrients. If you’re experiencing muscle cramps, we’d recommend consulting with your physician, and asking them to test for mineral deficiencies. This is especially true if the cramping is associated with weakness. 

REDUCE YOUR RISK FOR MUSCLE CRAMPS

You can reduce your risk for muscle cramps by staying hydrated, stretching after exercise, and ensuring you have enough essential minerals to support your needs.

Well Theory’s Essential Joint & Tissue Support is a daily multivitamin that supplies you with magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C and PEA. The vitamins and minerals in this multi help you establish a healthy foundation, while the PEA can alleviate inflammation and pain.

MUSCLE RECOVERY


Tart Cherry Extract is another Well Theory supplement that helps with inflammation and muscle recovery. It promotes a healthy blood flow, while providing antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. 

Dr. Meredith Warner, Orthopedic Surgeon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Meredith Warner is the creator of Well Theory and The Healing Sole. She is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Air Force Veteran.


She is on a mission to disrupt traditional medicine practices and promote betterment physically, spiritually and mentally to many more people. She advocates for wellness and functional health over big pharma so more people can age vibrantly with more function and less pain.


At Well Theory, Our surgeon-designed products are FDA Registered and formulated to help people:


  • Manage the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain
  • Recover vibrantly from orthopedic related surgeries
  • Fill the gaps in our daily diets
  • Manage pain associated with inflammation
!