Leading Causes Of Muscle Twitches And Spasms

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition that can cause muscle cramping and spasming. This condition, also known as peripheral artery disease, occurs when the arteries become narrowed. The muscle problems happen when the narrowed arteries cause improper blood flow, leading to a lack of nutrients being delivered to the muscle cells. Because atherosclerosis often increases blood flow in the legs, physical activity may cause pain and cramping in the leg muscles. Multiple factors can increase an individual's risk of developing atherosclerosis, including inactivity, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels in the blood. Other symptoms vary depending on the severity of the narrowing and potential blockages, along with the locations where the narrowing and blockages occur.

Obesity

Some research indicates obesity can cause pain, including muscle twitching and spasming. This appears to be true even in individuals who don't have any other health issues. Many chronic conditions occur more commonly in those who are overweight, including type 2 diabetes, back pain, fibromyalgia, depression, and arthritis. In one study, when compared to individuals of average weights, those with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29 had around twenty percent more pain. With a BMI between 30 and 34, that increased to sixty-eight percent.

BMIs between 35 and 39 reported around 136 percent more instances of pain, and when the BMI reached 40 or more, people reported around 254 percent more pain. While researchers aren't exactly sure what causes the relationship between obesity, muscle spasms, muscle twitching, and overall pain, they believe it may be related to the way fat cells can create inflammation-increasing chemicals.