Health Tip: What's Behind Muscle Cramps?

(HealthDay News) -- Nothing can end a workout faster than muscle cramps. But have you ever wondered what causes them?

The Mayo Clinic mentions these common factors:

• Straining or overusing muscles.
• Being dehydrated.
• Keeping a muscle in the same position for a long time.
• Having poor blood supply to affected muscles.
• Having compressed nerves in the spine.
• Getting less-than-required amounts of dietary minerals, such as potassium, magnesium or calcium.