Muscular Cramps Symptoms Symptoms of muscle cramps include tightness in the muscle, pain, and/or tingling and burning in the affected area. Causes Everyone experiences muscle cramping at some time, but those who are most prone to it tend to live a sedentary lifestyle, as they do not exercise regularly, lack magnesium-rich foods in their diet (especially green vegetables) and/or eat an excess of foods that reduce calcium, such as animal foods, grains, soda, caffeinated beverages, refined sugars, and processed foods high in phosphates. Muscle cramps can be due to a lack of exercise; low thyroid function; deficiencies in iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin E, and/or folic acid; dietary imbalances; food allergies; excessive coffee consumption; poor posture; spinal problems; uncomfortable footwear; past injury; stress; poor circulation; heart problems; general fatigue; diabetes; and/or arthritis. If muscle cramping becomes chronic, all of these factors need to be screened for and, if present, addressed. Note: Diuretic medications can worsen muscle cramps and spasms because of their tendency to deplete the body of essential minerals, particularly potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and may create worse muscle spasms. Treatment |