Fact Checked
Involuntary spasm or cramps in muscles, usually happens in the large muscles found in calf and thigh but such spasms can also occur in other muscles such as the muscles of the arm. Involuntary spasms of the arm can occur due to a direct blow or overstretching of the muscles, but the condition can also be caused by fatigue of the muscles during exercises. Lack of sodium, potassium, calcium and dehydration can develop when doing intensive exercises, thus resulting to spasms or cramps of the arms. A pinched nerve in the neck can also cause spasms of the arm since the nerves that stimulates the muscles of the arm coming from the spine is irritated.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZeMEaBLU00″]Symptoms of spasms in the arms
- The muscles contract strongly and form into knots and become tight. Spasms in the arm can cause discomfort and pain and sometimes the involuntary contraction of the muscles can cause bruising.
- The arms that are not properly conditioned or lack of warm up exercise can result to cramps
- Spasms and cramps in the arms happen only for a short period time and can remain for a few hours and sometimes 1-2 days. During this period, the pain can be severe. There is difficulty in performing normal work because of the pain in the arm.
Treatment and home remedies of spasms in the arms
- When there are spasms in the arms, the individual should stop activity and then stretch the arm in order to stretch out the bundled muscles while at the same time relaxes the spasms.
- Massage the arms soon after experiencing spasms and cramps. You can perform a gentle massage using the fingers since it helps in releasing the strain and knots that have formed due to the spasms of the muscles. Massage also lessens pain in the arms. Use any oil such as coconut or olive oil for massaging the affected area.
- Apply a hot pad or warm compress over the affected arm in order to increase circulation of blood and relax the spasms. Heat helps lessen the pain that can be felt in the muscle of the arm.
- When the pain is minimized, apply a cold compress for 10 to 15 minutes. Apply hot and cold compress alternately at regular intervals in order to minimize spasms in the arms.
- Taking a warm bath or using a heating pad also helps in minimizing pain in stiff muscles.
- Take over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications in order to help relieve the pain and inflammation. If in doubt on which medications to use, a doctor should be consulted.
- Drink plenty of water and sports drinks in order to replenish the salts that were lost while engaging in exercises in order to prevent dehydration which causes the spasms in the arms. Always stay well hydrated before, during and after a workout.