Question
What was the situation and effectiveness of the treatment for Xiao Ming’s generalized muscle spasm on December 27, 2009? After accidentally falling, he began to experience muscle spasms. What assistance is needed? What methods are effective for treatment? Should he be hospitalized?
Answer
Muscle spasms refer to sudden, involuntary contractions of a muscle or group of muscles that cannot quickly relax. The most common areas for muscle spasms are the back of the calves, the back of the thighs, and the front of the thighs. Other areas where muscle spasms can occur include the feet, fingers, arms, abdomen, and even the small muscles between the ribs. When a muscle spasm occurs, the entire muscle becomes rigid, and sometimes the contractions can be seen beneath the skin. The duration of a muscle spasm can range from a few seconds to over 15 minutes. If not properly treated or if the activity is not stopped in time, the spasms may recur repeatedly within a short period.