Mon - Fri: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday – Friday8:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday Open for MRI
Sunday Closed
Migraine treatment same day as your first appointment.
or
Visit our Healow Portal
Visit our Healow Portal Call 214-619-1910
CALL 214-619-1910

Muscle Cramps All Over the Body: What Should Know

Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju
Book appointment
Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju

Most people who play sports or travel encounter the problem of muscle cramps at least once. Painful muscle spasms can be extremely unpleasant and cause a lot of discomforts. But some of them can cause a lot of pain.

Full-body muscle cramps are visualized or palpated in the affected muscle. And it’s not uncommon for the cramps to recur until the muscle relaxes. Almost all people have experienced these problems. Body cramps all the time are common in adults, and as we age, they become more common. A cramp can occur in any muscle. The calf muscles and the muscles of the anterior and posterior thigh surfaces are most often affected by cramps.

Given the various causes of muscle cramps, it can be difficult for someone who is not a medical professional to understand what is going on in such cases.

This blog article will look at what causes cramps all over the body. We will also look at their symptoms and the best ways to treat them if they do occur. Let’s not procrastinate, and let’s get started.

 

What is a Muscle Cramp?

Cramps are involuntary muscle contractions. Muscle cramps are unforeseen, uncontrolled contractions of the muscle fibers. It can be in one muscle or a group of muscles. Cramps quickly follow each other, which causes stereotypical rapid movements with different amplitudes. 

It is usually accompanied by pain and may reduce the mobility of that part of the body until it passes. After the spasm, the pain persists for some time. The patient also complains of stiffness at the sites of the spasms.

During muscular work, the overload gets distributed over different muscle groups. But in practice, this is rarely the case. Besides, the whole biomechanics of the skeleton gets affected. Constant contraction of the muscles requires a significant expenditure of energy. Such a seemingly simple problem can lead to disorders in the body.

 

The variety of seizures encountered in clinical practice does not fit into this classification. Here are some examples: 

  • muscle cramps;
  • muscle spasms;
  • muscle tightness;
  • muscle fatigue;
  • muscle twitches.

Symptoms Of Muscle Cramps

Symptoms Of Muscle Cramps

Don’t understand why you experience painful muscle spasms? Thanks to nerve endings, muscle tissue is sensitive to damage or irritation. It responds by releasing substances that stimulate pain.

Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe pain. A visible hardening of the muscle may accompany severe pain. Symptoms of muscle cramps throughout the body include:

  • Sudden, sharp muscle pain. Muscle cramps usually occur suddenly and cause muscle pain. It can range from mild to severe.
  • Muscle stiffness. Muscle spasms can cause muscle stiffness. These are sudden contractions of muscle fibers. They cause the muscle to feel stiff or tight.
  • Inability to use the muscle. Do you feel full-body muscle cramps? They make it difficult or impossible to use the muscle affected by the cramp.
  • Loss of muscle strength. Muscle spasms can cause weakness or loss of muscle strength in the affected muscle.
  • Visible stiffening and twitching of the muscle. Muscle spasms often cause visible hardening or twitching of the muscle. You can especially see this in the legs.
  • Pain in the affected muscle even after the spasm has passed. Muscle spasms can cause pain in a muscle that persists even after it has relaxed.

These are the most common symptoms of muscle cramps all over the body.

 

What Causes Muscle Cramps? 

Want to know what causes cramps all over your body? Well, we have some answers for you:

 

Muscle overstrain

Many people gradually form a new “bad habit.” We can relate this to changes in daily life. For example, the muscles of the shoulder girdle, neck, back, and right arm are subjected to a lot of damage because they are constantly in front of the computer. And staying in one posture for a long time leads to overstretching of the muscles. From that, you get cramps.

Another good example is athletes, such as soccer players. They are constantly running around the field and making the same movements. Constant, identical movements also lead to muscle strain.

 

Physical exertion

You may feel “Soreness” in the body after physical activity. And body cramps all the time can occur in untrained people as well as in professional athletes.

 

Muscle fatigue

Muscle fibers can no longer contract and relax properly when they become tired. It leads to muscle spasms or cramps in the affected muscle group. The lactic acid builds up in the muscle, which increases its sensitivity and caused it to stiffen.

 

Dehydration

Dehydration can also be a factor in muscle cramps. Lack of water affects muscle function, which leads to muscle spasms.

 

Lack of minerals as well as vitamins

Along with dehydration, a lack of essential minerals such as magnesium and potassium also contributes to muscle spasms if not replenished in time. A deficit of vitamins B and D can also lead to muscle cramps.

 

Stress

Our lifestyle plays a huge role in muscle cramps. Stress can lead to muscle tension, increasing muscle spasms risk.

Now you know why you are getting cramps all over the body and the symptoms that come with it. But now, let’s learn how to diagnose muscle cramps.

 

How are Muscle Cramps Diagnosed?

Diagnosing muscle cramps is a challenge for medical professionals. It is because many other conditions also cause muscle contractions and pain. To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must gather a complete medical history and physical examination to determine the risk factors for developing muscle cramps. 

The doctor may then request laboratory tests. This way, they will rule out any underlying medical conditions. Further diagnostic tests may include: 

  • Nerve conduction or electromyogram (EMG) studies. The doctor needs this information to assess the presence of certain neuromuscular diseases. 
  • X-rays. It will help to detect any muscle or joint abnormalities that may be causing muscle spasms. 
  • Ultrasound scans. The ultrasound measures muscle activity. And it identifies muscle fibers that are failing to contract and relax usually.
  • MRT. Magnetic resonance imaging can identify muscle and joint injuries. They can be a cause of muscle spasms.

The doctor can make an accurate diagnosis using a combination of these tests. After identifying the cause, the doctor will find a way to treat it. Muscle cramps all over the body will no longer be a problem. 

Muscle Cramps Treatment

Muscle Cramps Treatment

Treatment of muscle cramps all over the body depends on their cause. But there are some general recommendations. They can help you reduce muscle cramps:

  • Stretching. Stretching your muscles helps relax them and reduce the intensity of the cramps.
  • Massage. Massage can help relax muscle fibers and relieve muscle spasms.
  • Heat therapy. Heat reduces muscle tension. It relieves muscle pain and stiffness. It also increases blood flow in the affected area. 
  • Medications. Depending on the cause of the muscle spasms, your doctor may prescribe medications. You can take muscle relaxants and other drugs.
  • Proper nutrition and hydration. A balanced diet is necessary to keep your muscles healthy and prevent full-body muscle cramps. Regular hydration with water or electrolytes will also be helpful.
  • Physical therapy. Physical therapists can teach specific stretching exercises. These will help reduce muscle tension and improve muscle strength.

It is also crucial to avoid muscle tension and overstretching. You can prevent painful muscle spasms with preventive measures. 

 

LoneStar Neurology Clinic

The team of our neurological clinic employs the best, highly qualified doctors. Every day they help many patients stabilize their conditions. Also, they cure many neurological diseases, if possible. With the help of modern equipment, we carry out accurate diagnostics. It allows us to identify diseases early. Sign up for a consultation with our neurologist right now by phone: 214-619-1910.

FAQ

Why am I getting muscle cramps all over my body?

Muscle cramps throughout the body can result from the following causes:

  • muscle fatigue;
  • dehydration;
  • electrolyte imbalance;
  • muscle injuries;
  • and certain medical conditions.

What is the best thing to do for muscle cramps?

The best thing to do is to stretch the muscle, apply heat or massage, and rehydrate with water or electrolytes. Your doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants or other medications.

When should I be worried about muscle cramps?

See a doctor if muscle cramps last longer than a few minutes or if you experience muscle pain and cramps all over your body. Your doctor will determine the cause and provide the necessary treatment.

Is it reasonable to let a muscle cramp?

No, letting muscle cramps go on for too long is not recommended. If muscle cramps last longer than a few minutes seek medical help. Stretching and other treatments can help reduce the intensity of muscle spasms.

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...
Be the first to write a review
Lone Star Neurology
4.5
Based on 905 reviews
powered by Google
Edward Medina
Edward Medina
15:34 30 Jun 22
Just such an amazing staff that makes you feel like part of their family. I’ve been going there for over 5 years now... and each visit I get the very best care and treatments that I have ever received in the 20+ years that I’ve been dealing with severe debilitating migraines. Since i started seeing them the number of my migraines has dropped from 15-20 a month to 2-3 every 3 month. I highly recommend them …they will change your life!read more
Daneisha Johnson
Daneisha Johnson
22:20 19 May 22
Dr. Askari was very kind and explained everything so I could understand. The other staff were nice as well. I would... have gave 5 stars but I was a little taken aback when I checked in and had to pay 600.00 upfront. I think that should have been discussed in a appointment confirmation call or email just so I could have been prepared.read more
Jean Cooper
Jean Cooper
16:54 29 Apr 22
I love the office staff they are friendly and very helpful. Dr. JODIE is very caring and understanding to your needs... and wants to help you. I will go back. would recommend Dr. Dr. Jodie to other Patients in a heart beat. The team works well together.read more
Linda M
Linda M
19:40 02 Apr 22
I was obviously stressed, needing to see a neurologist. The staff was so patient and Dr. Ansari was so kind. At one... point he told me to relax, we have time, when I was relaying my history of my condition. That helped ease my stress. I have seen 3 other neurologists and he was the only one who performed any assessment tests on my cognitive and physical skills. At one point I couldn't complete two assessments and got upset and cried. I was told, it's OK. That's why you're here. I was truly impressed, and super pleased with the whole experience!read more
Leslie Durham
Leslie Durham
15:05 01 Apr 22
I've been coming here for about 5 years. The staff are ALWAYS friendly and knowledgeable. The Doctors are the absolute... best!! Jodie Moore is always in such a great mood which is a plus when you are already stressed. Highly recommendedread more
Monica Del Bosque
Monica Del Bosque
14:13 25 Mar 22
Since my first post my thoughts have changed here. It's unfortunate. My doctor and PA were great, but the office staff... is horrible. They never call you back when they say they will, they misinform you, they cause you too much stress wondering what's going on, they don't keep you posted. They never answer the phone. At this point I've left four messages in the last week, and I have sent three messages. Twice from their portal and one direct email. No response. My appointment is on Monday morning at 8:30am, no confirmation on my insurance and what's going on. What the heck is going on, this is ridiculous!I've given up... the stress her office staff has put me through is just not worth it. You can do so much better, please clean house, either change out your office staff, or find a way for them to be more efficient please. You have to do something. This is not how you want to run your practice. It leaves a very bad impression on your business.read more
Ron Buckholz
Ron Buckholz
23:32 23 Mar 22
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this visit! It took me a long time to get the appointment scheduled because no... one answers your phones EVER! After a month, I finally got in, and your staff was warm, friendly, and I was totally impressed! I feel like you will take care of my needs!read more
Steve Nabavi
Steve Nabavi
16:28 16 Mar 22
It was a nice visit. Happy staff doing all they can do to comfort the patients in a very calming environment. You ask... me they are earned a big gold star on the fridge. My only complaint they didn't give me any cookies.read more
Katie Lewis
Katie Lewis
16:10 10 Feb 22
Had very positive appointments with Jodie and Dr. Sheth for my migraine care. Jodie was so fast with the injections and... has so much valuable info. I started to feel light headed during checkout and the staff was SO helpful—giving me a chair, water, and taking me into a private room until I felt better. Highly recommend this practice for migraine patients, they know what they’re doing!!read more
Joshua Martinez
Joshua Martinez
16:02 10 Dec 21
I was scheduled to be checked and just want to say that the staff was fantastic. They were kind and helpful. I was... asked many questions related to what was going on and not once did I feel as though I was being brushed off. The front desk staff was especially great in assisting me. I'm scheduled to go back for a mri and am glad that I'll be going there.read more
Isabel Ivy
Isabel Ivy
21:42 03 Nov 21
I had such a good experience with Lone Star Neurology, Brent my MRI Tech was so awesome and made sure I was very... comfortable during the appointment. He gave me ear plugs, a pillow, leg support and blanket, easiest MRI ever lol 🤣 My 72 hour EEG nurse Amanda was also so awesome. She made sure I was take care of over the 3 days and took her time with the electrodes to make sure it was comfortable for me! Paige was also a huge help in answering all my questions when it came to my test results, and letting me know her honest opinions about how I should go forth with my treatment.read more
Leslie Luce
Leslie Luce
17:37 20 Oct 21
The professionalism and want to help attitude of this office was present from the moment I contacted them. The follow... up and follow through as well as their willingness to find a way to schedule my dad was above and beyond. We visited two offices in the same day with the same experience. I am appreciative of this—we spend a lot of time with doctors and this was top notch start to finish.read more
robert Parker
robert Parker
16:38 16 Apr 21
I love going to this office. The staff is friendly and helpful. The doctor is great. I am getting the best... neurological tests and treatment I have ever had. The only reason I did not give them a 5 star rating is because it is impossible to reach a live person at the office to reschedule appointments. Every time I have tried to get through to the office it says all people are busy and I am sent to a voicemail. If they could get their phone answering fixed, I would give them a strong 5 stars.read more
MaryAnn Hornbaker
MaryAnn Hornbaker
00:26 25 Feb 21
Dr. Harney is an excellent Dr. I found him friendly , personable and thorough. I evidently am an unusual case. ... Therefore he spent a Hugh amount of time educating me. He even gave me literature to further explain my condition and how to follow up. This is something you rarely get from your doctors. So I am more than please with my doctor and his staff.read more
Roger Arguello
Roger Arguello
03:05 29 Jan 21
Always courteous, professional. The staff is very friendly and always work with you to find the best appointment time.... The care team has been great. Always taking the time to listen to your concerns and to find the best treatment.read more
Margaret Rowland
Margaret Rowland
01:12 27 Jan 21
I have been a patient at Lone Star Neurology for several years. Now both my adult daughters also are patients there. I... love Jodie. She is always so prompt whether it is a teleamed call are a visit in the office. She takes the time to explain everything to me and answers all my questions. I am so blessed to have Jodie as my doctor.read more
Susan Miller
Susan Miller
03:01 13 Jan 21
My husband had an accident 5 years ago and Lone Star Neurology has been such a blessing to us with my husbands care.... Jodie Moore is his provider and she is amazing! Jodie is very knowledgeable, caring, and thorough. She takes her time with you, making sure your needs are met and she is happy to answer any questions you may have. Lone Star Neurology’s patients are very lucky to have Jodie providing their care. Thank you Lone Star Neurology and especially Jodie for everything you have done for us. Jodie, you are the best!read more
Windalyn C
Windalyn C
01:32 09 Jan 21
Jodie is wonderful. She is very caring and knowledgeable. I have been to over a dozen neurologists, and none were able... to help me as much as they have here. Thanks!read more
Katie Kordel
Katie Kordel
00:40 09 Jan 21
Jodi Moore, nurse practitioner, is amazing. I have suffered from frequent, debilitating headaches for almost 20 years.... She has provided the best proactive and responsive care I have ever received. My quality of life has been greatly improved by her caring approach and tenacity in finding solutions.read more
Ellie Natsis
Ellie Natsis
15:41 07 Jan 21
I have had the best experience at this neurologist's office! For over a year I have been receiving iv treatments here... each month and my nurse, Bobbie is beyond wonderful!! She's so attentive, knowledgeable, caring, and detail oriented. She makes an otherwise uncomfortable experience much more pleasant and definitely puts me at ease! She also helps me with my insurance,ordering this specialty medication and dealing with the ordering process which is no easy feat.Needless to say, she goes above a beyond in every way and I'm so grateful to this office and to Bobbie for all they do for me!read more
Matt Morris
Matt Morris
15:39 07 Jan 21
Let me start by saying that I have been coming here for years. Due to my autoimmune disease, I am in this office... once every three weeks for multiple hours at a time. The office is very clean and the staff very friendly. My only complaint would be there communication via phone. They aren't the best at responding if you leave a voicemail and expect a call back. I understand that this is prob just due to the sheer number of alls they receive daily. What I can say I like the best about the office are the people. Bobby who handles my infusions is great. I never have any issues with her setting up my infusions. She is very quick to reply to messages sent via text and if she were to leave then my whole opinion of the office may change. I also enjoy people like Matt, Lauren, and Jodi. I appreciate all that they do for me and without this team I'm not sure I would be as happy as I am to visit the office as frequently as I have to. Please ensure that these folks are recognized as they are what makes my visit to this office so tolerable :).read more
More reviews
js_loader

Please, leave your review

review

Write a comment:

Book appointment