Also see Muscle Spasticity, Muscles Stiff, Muscles to Relax, and Muscle programs.Encyclopedia Entry for Muscle Cramp :Muscle cramps. Muscle cramps are different than muscle twitches , which are covered in a separate article.Muscle cramps are common and often occur when a muscle is overused or injured. Working out when you have not had enough fluids (dehydration) or when you have low levels of minerals such as potassium or calcium can also make you more likely to have a muscle spasm. Muscle cramps can occur while you play tennis or golf, bowl, swim, or do any other exercise. They can also be triggered by: Alcoholism Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) Kidney failure Medicines Menstruation Pregnancy.If you have a muscle cramp, stop your activity and try stretching and massaging the muscle. Heat will relax the muscle when the spasm begins, but ice may be helpful when the pain has improved. If the muscle is still sore, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines can help with pain. If the muscle cramps are severe, your health care provider can prescribe other medicines. The most common cause of muscle cramps during sports activity is not getting enough fluids. Often, drinking water will ease the cramping. However, water alone does not always help. Salt tablets or sports drinks, which also replenish lost minerals, can be helpful. Other tips for relieving muscle cramps: Change your workouts so that you are exercising within your ability. Drink plenty of fluids while exercising and increase your potassium intake (orange juice and bananas are great sources of potassium). Stretch to improve flexibility.Call your provider if your muscle cramps: Are severe Do not go away with simple stretching Keep coming back Last a long time.Your provider will examine you and ask questions about your symptoms and 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 the cramp always in 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 medicines do you take? Have you been exercising heavily? Have you been drinking alcohol heavily? Blood tests may be done to check for the following: Calcium, potassium, or magnesium metabolism Kidney function Thyroid function Pain medicines may be prescribed.Cramps - muscle.Chest stretch Chest stretch Groin stretch Groin stretch Hamstring stretch Hamstring stretch Hip stretch Hip stretch Thigh stretch Thigh stretch Triceps stretch Triceps stretch.Grove AJ, G mez J. Environmental illness.