Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for muscle spasms (also called muscle cramps). This is when a muscle suddenly tightens and cannot relax. A spasm can happen to any muscle in the body, but it is most common in the calves and feet. It can last for a few seconds or a few minutes.
The exact cause of muscle spasms is unknown. They can happen at any time. But they are most common during exercise, especially when the muscles are tired or "fatigued." They can also be caused by losing a lot of fluid or by taking certain medicines.
Muscle spasms usually go away on their own without treatment.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Gently stretch the muscle to stop a spasm, as instructed by the doctor. Do the stretches slowly, and hold each one for 20 to 30 seconds. Try to do them 2 to 3 times each day.
●Massage the muscle. You can do this with your hands, a massage tool, or a foam roller.
●Use ice or heat for pain. Either can help stop a spasm, but heat might help more.
•Soak the sore muscle in warm water, or use a heating pad. Do not leave a heating pad on for longer than 20 minutes at a time. Check your skin while the heating pad is on to avoid burns. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on.
•Place an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over the painful muscle. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Do not try to stretch the muscle right after icing.
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid intense exercise in hot and humid weather.
●Muscle spasms can be caused by not getting enough "electrolytes" in your diet. Ask your doctor if you should make any changes to your diet.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Are having a lot of muscle spasms
●Still have muscle spasms and feel extremely tired or have weakness in your arm or leg
●Cannot stop a muscle spasm
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Muscle spasms (muscle cramps) (The Basics)
Patient education: Nocturnal (nighttime) leg cramps (The Basics)
