Print this article Definition Muscle spasms or cramps are contractions of the muscles and are often painful. Muscle twitching is the result of minor local muscle contractions or the uncontrollable twitching of a single muscle group served by a single motor nerve fiber or filament. Alternative names spasms, muscle Considerations Muscle cramps most often occur in the foot or in the calf muscle.
Muscle twitches are minor and often go unnoticed.
Some are common and normal, while others indicate a neurologic disorder. Home care Slow stretching often brings relief. Follow prescribed therapy. Call your health care provider if there are severe, prolonged or recurring muscle spasms or cramps that are unexplained or that aren't relieved by simple stretching. The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.