What causes mucle spasms?

Question

I got a real bad charlie horse last night in my calf and I know it has something to do with all the swimming that I have been doing lately but I'd like to know what actually causes the spasm and what happens to your muscles during one? Thanks.

Answer 1

when we move our muscles,the energy comes directly from the glucose stores in the muscle itself by what is called aerobic respiration,which is the burning of glucose in the presence of oxygen,but after sometime of use the muscle needs more energy and the available oxygen wont be enough to make the aerobic respiration,so it shifts towards the anaerobic to produce energy and this type produces lactic acid,which accumulates in the muscle and causes it to spasm.
usually muscle spasm resolves within 2 or 3 days,and using hot packs or massage with mild exercise will help.

Answer 2

Many times cramps develop due to muscle fatigue. Overexercise leads to accumulation of lactic acid in the muscle tissue.This usually takes time to completely drain out maybe a day or so. Spasms around neck end spine also takes place as a preventive measure by the body. When someone gets a punctured disc or acute spondylosis muscle spasm occur to restrict movement of those regions this preventing further damage.

Answer 3

Try adding a calcium supplement or increasing the amount of calcium in your diet. Also be sure that you are well hydrated. As your muscles become conditioned and stronger, the cramping will have a tendency to dissipate.

Answer 4

could be that you pulled a muscle. But more so there may be an electrolyte imbalance or a hormone imbalance. Try first increasing your electrolytes by drinking things like Gatorade and powerade.If that doesn't work get your hormones checked out you may have a calcium or potassium deficiency

Answer 5

Dehydration is one of the causes...

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