my arm starts having spasms randomly what is wrong?!
Question: My arm starts having spasms randomly what is wrong?
Answers:
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You need to go to the doctor and get this checked. A muscle spasm or cramp is an involuntary contraction of a muscle. Muscle spasms occur suddenly, usually resolve quickly, and are often painful
There are a variety of causes of muscle spasms, and each cause depends on certain predisposing factors and anatomic areas of involvement.
Spasms may occur when a muscle is overused and tired, particularly if it is overstretched or if it has been held in the same position for a prolonged period of time. In effect, the muscle cell runs out of energy and fluid and becomes hyperexcitable and then develops a forceful contraction. This spasm may involve part of a muscle, the whole muscle, or even adjacent muscles.
It is commonly thought that dehydration and depletion of electrolytes will lead to muscle spasm and cramping. Muscle cells require enough water, glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium to allow the proteins within them to interact and develop an organized contraction. Abnormal supply of these elements can cause the muscle to become irritable and go into spasm.
Systemic illnesses like diabetes, anemia (low red blood cell count), kidney disease and thyroid and other hormone issues are also potential causes of muscle spasms.
Diseases of the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury, can be associated with muscle spasm.
Smooth muscle can also develop spasm - kidneys, intestines, gall bladder.
Prevention is the key to most skeletal muscle spasm episodes. Since they are often associated with dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, it is important to keep the body well hydrated.
Should a skeletal muscle go into spasm, the initial treatment is to gently stretch the muscle back to length to break the spasm cycle and resolve the acute situation.
Further treatment will depend upon the underlying cause of the muscle spasms. For muscles that have been damaged or strained, medications may be required for short-term pain relief, including anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen), narcotics, and muscle relaxants.
Check here for more information.
http://www.medicinenet.com/muscle_spasms…
http://orthopedics.about.com/od/elbowcon…
http://www.medicinenet.com/elbow_pain/ar…