
What are muscle cramps?
What causes muscle cramps?
Common causes of muscle cramps:
You're more likely to get cramps if:
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Your calf muscles are tight from not stretching
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You sit for long periods of time
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You don't have enough minerals (electrolytes) in your blood, which can happen if you take diuretics (water pills), are in your last months of pregnancy, or have problems such as low vitamin D or alcoholism
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You're on dialysis for kidney problems
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Your thyroid doesn’t make enough hormone (hypothyroidism)
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You take certain medicines
When should I see a doctor for muscle cramps?
See a doctor right away if you have muscle cramps and any of these warning signs:
Call your doctor in 1 to 2 days if:
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You frequently have leg cramps that come while walking and go away as soon as you stop
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Your cramps started after you began taking a new medicine
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You have alcoholism