Make an appointment

Name (required)

Phone (required)

Email (required)

Treatment

Preferred date

Muscle Spasm, Muscle Cramp, Muscle Strain? What’s the Difference?? It Hurts!

Muscle Spasm, Muscle Cramp, Muscle Strain? What’s the Difference?? It Hurts!

 

Yes they all do, so this is what you need to know

Muscle pain can come from a variety of sources including spasm, cramp, or an actual strain or tear of the muscle. Muscle spasm occurs when a muscle involuntarily contracts, and then relaxes. This often occurs suddenly and can be painful. A muscle cramp is similar to a spasm, but cramp lasts longer than a spasm and is often a very forcible contraction. While there are a myriad of potential causes for involuntary muscle contraction; spasms and cramps are commonly thought to be due to muscle overuse, dehydration, or an electrolyte imbalance. If a muscle cramp is sufficiently forcible, it can lead to actual tears in some of the muscles fibers. This is called a muscle strain. Strains are not always precipitated by a cramp. They can be caused by a variety of mechanisms including jumping, changing directions, slipping, or even due to overuse from simple repetitive actions such as walking.

How do I know which I have?

A muscle spasm will usually relax on it’s own quite quickly. Cramps can last much longer, but often eventually relax with a bit of gentle massage or stretching. Muscle strains generally affect the way the muscle functions, and will likely cause pain each time the muscle is actively used.

What do I do about each of them?

Most muscle spasms and many cramps settle on their own and do not interfere with normal muscle function. With muscle strains, the muscle itself has been damaged and needs time to rest and heal. Spasms, cramps, or strains may be a warning sign that you are overusing your muscles, using your muscles incorrectly, or perhaps you are not properly hydrated, so you may need to address these potential issues.

When do I need expert advice and treatment and how soon should I get it?

You should seek expert care if you have had a severe cramp or muscle strain which limits your ability to walk normally or if you are unable to use any of your muscles to perform your normal daily activities without pain. Swelling or any bruising in the muscles or an inability to bear weight should be discussed with your GP or seen to by an expert. Calf pain should be treated with extreme caution as it can be the result of a blood clot, in which case massage and or stretching could cause the clot to dislodge and travel to your heart which could be life threatening. Your GP would be able to assess whether you may be at risk for a blood clot.

– written by Rebeca Chartered Physiotherapist at the clinic

 

13 Comments
  • Muhammad Tahir
    Posted at 16:43h, 10 October Reply

    Nice information

  • Michael McCain
    Posted at 23:52h, 24 October Reply

    When I stand very long I get muscle tightness in center of back and neck what’s up with this

    • Jeannette Warr
      Posted at 08:26h, 25 October Reply

      Best to get a physio to examine you to give a diagnosis. Do call the clinic to book in.

  • Stephanie Caplin
    Posted at 22:32h, 16 November Reply

    I woke up last night , with a extreme calf cramp…and this morning , I can hardly walk .
    Does this sound like a blood clot , or damage from the cramp.

    • Jeannette Warr
      Posted at 10:08h, 17 November Reply

      It would be best to call your GP or the clinic to get a professional to examine you.

  • Kathleen Edwards
    Posted at 21:56h, 30 November Reply

    I have had what the doctor says is muscle spasm of the medius maximums and it is not going off

    • Jeannette Warr
      Posted at 11:53h, 01 December Reply

      Please call the clinic to make an appointment to see a physiotherapist to assess and treat your problem. We are able to book you in tomorrow or you can book online.

  • C Mat
    Posted at 22:42h, 28 January Reply

    Yesterday grom out of zitting position put my foot in a boot (no stretching of the leg) and then whole calf went into the worst camping pain/spasm. Moving toes didn’t help. After that it felt just a little sore. Next Day have a hard time walking down stairs and cannot stand on tiptoes. See no brusing, calf weirdly feels loose then normal…

    • Jeannette Warr
      Posted at 10:21h, 02 February Reply

      Please call the clinic to make an appointment to see a physiotherapist to assess and treat your problem. We are able to book you in tomorrow or you can book online.

  • Michael Gorman
    Posted at 20:20h, 01 February Reply

    Whenever I train or run for more than ten mins my calf goes into an intense spasm and locks totally , is very painful for weeks and I can’t put much weight on it for days after : I am 59 ex rugby player but like to keep fit

    • Jeannette Warr
      Posted at 10:21h, 02 February Reply

      Please call the clinic to make an appointment to see a physiotherapist to assess and treat your problem. We are able to book you in tomorrow or you can book online.

  • Nita
    Posted at 03:26h, 14 September Reply

    I am getting cramps every night and I did not know what to do. Thanks for the information it helps.

  • Mahak
    Posted at 09:23h, 06 August Reply

    Thanks..You made the concept crystal clear

Post A Reply to Jeannette Warr Cancel Reply