Signs of muscle spasms

Muscle spasms, twitches or cramps are sudden and involuntary muscle movements. These contractions can be painful and are unpredictable in nature. Spasms usually occur in the leg muscles, hands, feet, arms, abdomen, and back, and can be related to underlying conditions, medications, or nutrition. It's important to track what muscles, how long and how often the spasms happen, as this helps the healthcare team assess and identify the right cause.

These are common signs of spasms:

• Sudden, sharp muscle pain.
• Area around the muscle feels tense, tight or looks hard.
• Muscle jerking, twitches or tremors.
• Muscle stiffness or cramping that makes movement tough.
• Recurring twitching in the same muscle area.
• Pain or discomfort even when the muscle is at rest.

Pay special attention to these symptoms when spasms are accompanied by:

• Increased frequency or intensity of spasms over a short period.
• Spasms that disrupt sleep.
• Lingering pain after the spasm ends.
• Muscle weakness or fatigue in the region of the spasms.
• Numbness or tingling near the spasm.
• Joint pain or swelling near the spasm area.
• Signs of dehydration or changes in thirst and urine output.
• Signs of skin breakdown or sores over the spasm area.
• Memory problems, blurry vision, speaking issues, or unusual behaviors.

Do not hesitate to reach out to a medical professional if you are at all concerned. Any significant change in symptoms, or the sudden onset of new symptoms, should be evaluated as soon as possible by a healthcare professional.