Preparing for an appointment

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have muscle cramps that are severe, frequent and not getting better with self-care.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make your appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance. Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment
• Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history
• All medications, vitamins and supplements you take, including dosages
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you receive.

For muscle cramp, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's likely causing my cramps?
• Are there other possible causes?
• What tests do I need?
• Is my condition temporary or chronic?
• What's the best course of action?
• What alternatives are there to the approach you're suggesting?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:

• When did you develop cramps?
• How frequent and severe are your cramps?
• Does anything typically precede your cramps, such as mild to strenuous exercise?
• Do you ever have cramps while resting?
• Does stretching relieve your cramps?
• Do you have other symptoms, such as muscle weakness or numbness?
• Have you noticed changes in your urine after exercise?