Leading Causes Of Muscle Twitches And Spasms

Low Potassium

Low potassium is also known as hypokalemia. Potassium is a mineral the body needs to work properly. It helps the muscles to move, gives cells nutrients, and aids nerves in sending signals. Potassium also protects blood pressure from rising too much. Muscle cramping is just one symptom of hypokalemia; others include weakness, fatigue, and heart arrhythmias. Severe cases of low potassium can lead to paralysis and death. This is caused by a wide variety of conditions such as vomiting, sweating too much, consuming too much alcohol, certain medications, folic acid deficiency, diabetic ketoacidosis, poor kidney or adrenal gland function, and conditions such as Cushing's syndrome.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is a disorder of the nervous system that causes a severe urge to move the legs. It usually prevents proper sleeping so it is also considered to be a sleeping disorder. This condition can range from mild to intolerable, and symptoms include a strange itching or tingling or crawling sensations inside the legs and perhaps also in the arms. Those with restless leg syndrome feel restlessness and a strong urge to move the limbs to get rid of these sensations. They may also pace on the floor, rub the legs, or toss and turn in bed. Symptoms can come and go but are generally worse in the evenings and at nighttime.