Muscle spasms (muscle cramps)

What is a muscle spasm?

A muscle spasm (muscle cramp) happens when a muscle in the body tenses or stiffens up. Spasms are involuntary, which means your child cannot control them. A muscle spasm comes on suddenly, without warning, and may cause pain or discomfort. Your child may not be able to use the affected muscles for a short time until the muscle relaxes.

Signs and symptoms of muscle spasms

• sharp muscle pain
• sudden twitching or cramping
• tightening of muscles, often in the legs
• a visible hard lump of muscle beneath the skin
• cramps that occur in your child's calf muscles or toes during sleep
• spasms can last several seconds to several minutes

Causes of muscle spasms

Many things can cause a muscle spasm. Children often get muscle spasms if they play or exercise in warm weather without drinking enough water.

Common causes of muscle spasms

• overusing a muscle
• dehydration
• physical activity in warm weather
• certain medications
• holding a position for too long

Conditions that may cause muscle spasms

Some children may have a particular medical condition that can lead to muscle spasms, including:

• not enough blood flow to muscles
• compressed nerves
• loss of certain minerals from the body

Treatment of muscle spasms

Most muscle spasms resolve on their own. Simple stretching and massaging can help treat a muscle spasm. If your child gets a cramp in the calf muscle, ask them to straighten their leg and flex their foot. 

You can also switch back and forth between cold compresses and warm heating pads on the affected muscle area. These treatments will usually calm the cramping after a few minutes to an hour. 

Children who have muscle spasms after exercise or while outside in hot, humid temperatures should be encouraged to drink lots of fluid to rehydrate. 

Rest and hydrate

Heat-related illnesses are often indicated by muscle spasms, along with weakness, nausea and vomiting. If your child has any of these symptoms, have them rest, cool off and drink. 

Prevention

You can help your child avoid muscle spasms by offering plenty of fluids during and after playing and exercising. Encourage your child to drink water or a sports drink every 15 minutes when active and to take breaks to cool off and rest in hot, humid temperatures. 

Stretching

Encourage your child to do calf stretches before bed to prevent spasms. Ask your child to sit on the floor and stretch their legs out in front of themselves. Then ask your child to flex their feet, bend at the waist and gently try to touch their toes.

Drinking lots of fluids

Encourage your child to drink lots of fluids throughout the day. When exercising, try to have your child drink about every 15 minutes, especially in hot weather. 

When to see a health-care provider

• if the muscle spasms do not disappear in a few minutes
• if the muscle spasms are recurrent with no clear cause such as intense exercise or injury