Beyond Dehydration: Unexpected Triggers for Your Muscle Cramps

9. Certain Medications

Evidence indicates that certain medications can increase an individual's risk of experiencing muscle cramps. Some of the medications that have been linked with this increased risk include statins, diuretics, steroids, Alzheimer's disease medication, asthma medication, and high blood pressure drugs. The reason they increase the risk of muscle cramps varies. In the case of diuretics, it is because diuretics remove water from an individual's body, leaving less protecting the muscles. In addition, the removal of water due to diuretics increases the risk of dehydration, which is another cause of muscle cramps. Unfortunately, it is not always clear why certain medications can cause muscle cramps as a side effect, as is the case with statins for high cholesterol.

10. Not Warming Up Before Exercise

Individuals need to stretch and warm up their body before they start every exercise session, including a light jog. Stretching and warming up allows blood to flow better throughout the muscles, which reduces the risk of many muscle injuries. Individuals who do not warm up properly before exercise are starting 'cold,' which increases their risk of experiencing muscle cramps and dealing with other muscle injuries. It is also worth noting that these other muscle injuries, such as muscle strain, can also cause a cramp to develop. Failing to warm up before exercise often also means that individuals are pushing themselves too hard, which can result in muscle overuse, another risk factor associated with muscle cramps.