What Causes Exercise Induced Muscle Cramps?

A muscle cramp is a hyperexcitable neurological phenomenon involving involuntary muscle contractions. It is different thant myokymia, myoclonus & myotonia. Muscle cramps are usually harmless, but if the cramp is accompanied by other symptoms like muscle weakness, atrophy, or persistent stiffness, it may indicate an underlying issue.

There are many variables in play but the top 12 causes of muscle cramps could be: 1)novel exercise, 2) muscle damage, 3) fatigue, 4) heat/ humidity, 5) inadequate fitness, 6) sleep restriction, 7) high % type 2 fibers, 8) genetics, 9) drug side effects, 10) low carb diet, 11) dehydration, 12) low electrolytes

Q: Do we always need electrolytes during exercise? A: Electrolytes are necessary when: the event is >4hrs, sweat rate is >1.8L/h, salt in sweat concentration is >1g/L (Mccubin, Costa 2018).

Q: What amount of carbs is indicated with time & intensity? A: for events >45min at 70% vo2 max, carb oxidation is 1.2g/ min (Jeukendrup 2025).

Q: How much water is recommended? 5oz/ 15min (Jeukendrup 2025).