Slow stretching often brings relief. If muscle cramps continue, see your doctor.

Call your doctor if your muscle cramps are severe, last a long time, or keep coming back and do not go away with simple stretching.

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history, such as:

• When did the spasms first begin?
• How long do they last?
• How often do you experience muscle spasms?
• What muscles are affected?
• Is it always the same location?
• Are you pregnant?
• Have you been vomiting, had diarrhea, excessive sweating, excessive urine volume, or any other possible cause of dehydration?
• What medications do you take?
• Have you been exercising heavily?
• Have you been drinking alcohol heavily?

Tests that may be done include:

• Blood tests for disorders of the following:
  • Calcium, potassium, or magnesium metabolism
  • Kidney function
  • Thyroid function
• Electromyography
• Myelography
• Pregnancy test

Pain relievers (analgesics) may be prescribed.