Muscle Twitching in Legs

The entire human body is made up of muscles. The muscles in the body are the connecting filaments of the various organs. The main function of the muscular system is locomotion and also the contractile function of the organs. The muscles can be categorized according to their composition and function. These muscles are the skeletal muscles, connecting the bones of the skeletal system, smooth muscles, involuntary in nature and found in the organs and the blood vessels, and the cardiac muscles, found only in the heart. There are times when an individual may experience a sudden pull in the muscle, which is known as muscle twitching. This condition is not only pertained to a particular part of the body, but can occur anywhere and at any time.

Causes of Muscle Twitching in Legs

There can be several reasons why you may experience muscle cramps or twitching in legs. Some of the causes may not be of a serious nature, while some of them may require delving into the details of why the muscles are twitching. Given below are some of the causes of muscle spasms in the legs.

• The occurrence of muscle twitches in the legs may be due to overexertion of the leg muscles. Overuse can also lead to muscle cramps and twitches. Some people may experience muscle twitching in the legs at night, when the spasms can be felt more prominently, while the body is at rest.
• Another cause of muscle twitches can be due to poor blood circulation to the legs. Weak muscles can also be a causative factor for observing muscle spasms in legs due to the presence of some neurological disorder.
• Some individuals who may suffer from nutritional deficiency can notice muscle twitches all over body and not only on the legs. This deficiency can occur when there is a depletion in the levels of potassium, sodium and other electrolytes as a result of illness or improper food habits.
• Chronic muscle spasms can be observed as symptoms of some health disorders like liver cirrhosis, sarcoidosis or live poisoning etc. Muscle twitches can also be noticed in patients who undergo routine dialysis or who have undergone chemotherapy.
• Individuals who are addicted to nicotine or have an excessive intake of alcohol can experience involuntary muscle spasms.
• An overdose of certain drugs and medications like steroids, anti coagulants, diuretics, nicotinic acids and penicillamine are some of the other causes of muscle twitches all over the body and not only of the legs.
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (or ALS) is a disorder that affects the nervous system. Also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, this condition leads to the wastage and death of nerve cells. Loss of neurons can result in involuntary muscle spasms.
• Muscles twitches are also noticed in people suffering from fibromyalgia. This syndrome is characterized by muscle weakness and spasms, sometimes accompanied by pain. This is because several tender points in the muscles develop, as a result of continuous twitching.
• Another disorder which can result in muscle cramps is muscular dystrophy. This muscle problem can give rise to loss of muscle tissue, in any part of the body, leading to squeezing or pulling sensation in the muscles.

Treating Leg Muscle Cramps

Most of us tend to ignore leg muscle spasms thinking it is normal. It's right, muscle spasms or twitches may be minor, but it is essential to get to the root cause of this condition to stay clear. Visiting a health care provider, will help you diagnose the exact reason for this condition. If you experience muscle pain along with the spasms, then the doctor may prescribe painkillers to ease the pain. Elevating the leg with the help of pillows while lying down will reduce the frequency of muscle twitches. Application of cold or warm compress will also prove to be effective. There are also several home remedies that help treat this condition. Massaging the leg with warm olive oil will not only reduce muscle spasms but also improve blood circulation to the legs. Another popular home remedy is chamomile tea, which has an active ingredient called glycine known to fight against the cramps.

Though muscle twitching in legs may come and go, experiencing persistent muscle spasms and twitches in the legs or anywhere in the body, should be brought to the doctor's notice promptly. Stay healthy!