Facts on Arm Cramps

Arm cramps can make daily activities difficult.
Image Credit: milorad kravic/iStock/GettyImages

A muscle cramp, also referred to as a charley horse, can cause great discomfort. Whether the result of physical strain or a medical condition, arm cramps can make performing daily activities aggravating. However, there are methods to both prevent and treat arm muscle cramps.

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Arm cramps can be caused by a number of factors, such as straining, dehydration or certain medications. Cramps can be treated by stretching or applying heat, and they can be avoided by drinking plenty of fluids.

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Causes of Arm Cramps

According to MedlinePlus, there are a number of causes for arm cramps, some of which are exercise-induced, and others that are linked to certain health conditions. Issues related to physical activity include:

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  • Straining or overusing a muscle — this is considered the most common cause of cramping
  • Dehydration
  • Injury (spinal cord injury or pinched nerve) that causes compression of your nerves
  • Not getting enough blood in your muscles
  • Standing on a hard surface for an extended period of time, sitting for a long time or sleeping in an awkward position

Other causes may include:

  • Pregnancy (according to HealthLinkBC, this is because you may have a decreased amount of minerals in the body, especially in the last few months of pregnancy)
  • Certain medicines, such as antipsychotics, birth control pills, diuretics and steroids
  • Dialysis
  • Low levels of electrolytes
  • Exposure to cold temperatures, especially cold water

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Read more:My Calf Muscle Is Sore After Cramping

How to Treat Muscle Cramps

Cramps in the arms, cramps in the hands and feet and cramps in the legs: They're all uncomfortable. Thankfully there are ways to offset the pain when you feel a cramp coming on. According to HealthLinkBC, you can:

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  • Take a warm shower or bath,or use a heating pad — this will relax the muscle.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain medication — make sure to read the directions carefully.
  • Stretch and gently massage the muscle.
  • Drink fluids, such as Gatorade (which contains electrolytes).
  • Ice or a cold pack may help; just make sure to keep a cloth between your skin and the ice pack.
  • Take medicine as prescribed by your doctor and call your doctor if there are any issues with the medicine you're taking.

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Cramps that keep coming back or that are severe should be addressed by a health care professional.

For pregnant people experiencing muscle cramps, the American Pregnancy Association recommends stretching, massaging the painful area, adding Epsom salt to a warm bath and applying heat to the pain.

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Read more:Why Do Bananas Give Me Muscle Cramps?

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How to Prevent Muscle Cramps

Fact: Muscle cramps can be prevented. That's right, you can sidestep the problem before it gets the best of you. To prevent muscle cramps, HealthLinkBC recommends:

  • Avoiding too much alcohol or caffeine
  • Stretching your muscles on a daily basis — before and after exercise and before bedtime
  • Eating healthy foods that are rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium (particularly if you're pregnant)
  • Drinking plenty of fluids — your urine should be light yellow or clear
  • Gradually (rather than suddenly) increasing the amount of physical activity you get
  • Taking a multivitamin every day

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Anyone can get a charley horse in the arm muscles, but there are certain people who are more likely than others to get them. The people most at risk are:

  • Athletes
  • Pregnant people
  • Overweight people
  • Older adults
  • People who have preexisting medical conditions, such as thyroid or nerve disorders
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