Conditions That Cause or Contribute to Muscle Cramps
Category |
Examples |
Drugs |
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Use of certain drugs |
Angiotensin II receptor blockers and some beta-blockers (used to treat high blood pressure), bronchodilators (used to treat asthma), cisplatin, clofibrate, diuretics, donepezil, lovastatin, birth control pills (oral contraceptives), pyrazinamide, raloxifene, synthetic parathyroid hormone (teriparatide), tolcapone, or vincristine Stimulants, such as amphetamines, caffeine, cocaine, ephedrine, nicotine, or pseudoephedrine |
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Sudden stopping of a drug |
Sedatives, such as alcohol, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines Drugs used to treat insomnia or anxiety |
Disorders |
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Electrolyte 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) |
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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) |
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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 |
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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 |
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Exercise and lifestyle |
Cramping during or soon after exercise Sitting for a long time |