Muscle spasms are a common complaint involving a pain, tightness, or spasmodic activity. The causes for these spasms are numerous, and can be relatively benign such as in the case of inadequate stretching, or more serious in the cases of toxic or metabolic syndromes. Recurrence, severity, and distribution are the best indicators of more severe conditions. Common causes include muscle injury, overexertion, and electrolyte imbalances.
One of the most common presentations, especially in runners, is in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the calf. This spasm is colloquially termed a “charlie horse” and is a great example of the more typical sudden and significant but transient pain. Recurrent episodes may suggest underlying pathologies, and can present in any muscle of the body. Treatment for more moderate to severe cases can help to reduce incidence and severity of those episodes.
Muscle spasms are a common complaint involving a pain, tightness, or spasmodic activity. The causes for these spasms are numerous, and can be relatively benign such as in the case of inadequate stretching, or more serious in the cases of toxic or metabolic syndromes. Recurrence, severity, and distribution are the best indicators of more severe conditions. Common causes include muscle injury, overexertion, and electrolyte imbalances.
One of the most common presentations, especially in runners, is in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the calf. This spasm is colloquially termed a “charlie horse” and is a great example of the more typical sudden and significant but transient pain. Recurrent episodes may suggest underlying pathologies, and can present in any muscle of the body. Treatment for more moderate to severe cases can help to reduce incidence and severity of those episodes.
In most cases, muscle spasms are little cause for concern, and are a transient event that should resolve spontaneously. In some cases, though, muscle spasms may be indicative of a more severe underlying condition, and can prove dangerous in those cases.
In most cases, muscle spasms are little cause for concern, and are a transient event that should resolve spontaneously. In some cases, though, muscle spasms may be indicative of a more severe underlying condition, and can prove dangerous in those cases.
Muscle spasms can be managed with a number of practices, including good nutrition and sleep hygiene, exercise, stretching, and reduction of stress levels.
Muscle spasms can be managed with a number of practices, including good nutrition and sleep hygiene, exercise, stretching, and reduction of stress levels.
Muscle spasms can typically be diagnosed by physical examination and patient history alone. In some cases, nerve conduction studies may be performed to evaluate skeletal muscle function.
Muscle spasms can typically be diagnosed by physical examination and patient history alone. In some cases, nerve conduction studies may be performed to evaluate skeletal muscle function.
DAY OF SURGERY INFORMATION
Drive to the South parking garage. Free Valet parking is available during business hours. If you self-park, take the elevator from the garage to the first floor to enter the main hospital lobby. Wheelchairs are available if needed. Take the D elevator to the 2nd floor. Proceed to the Surgical and Endoscopy Check-In Desk. Here you and your family will be checked in and escorted to the Pre-op Area to be prepared for surgery. Up to two family members may wait with you until you are taken to surgery. Your family may then wait in the Surgical Waiting room until notified by the surgeon that the surgery has been completed. A receptionist will take down contact information so that your family may be easily reached to speak with Dr. Paul. Complimentary coffee is available for your family while in the Surgical Waiting room. The cafeteria and gift shop are on the ground floor in the North area of the hospital and the coffee shop is in the South area of the hospital for your family’s convenience.
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In the preoperative room you will be prepared for surgery. The team will be checking your vital signs, starting your IV, validating your medications, health history, lab results and any follow up for additional testing needed. At this time, they will obtain your consent for surgery and answer any questions you may still have. Your anesthesiologist will see you and your family prior to your surgery. Dr. Paul, Adam or Kevin will mark your surgical site. You will be escorted to the operating room by cart. Your family can wait in the surgical waiting room. Dr. Paul will call them when surgery is completed. If he can not reach them, he will leave a message with the Patient Liaison. Following surgery you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where you will recover for an hour or more. During this time, pain and nausea control will be established and your vital signs will be monitored frequently.