Muscle Contractures

Muscle spasms are involuntary and sustained contractions of a muscle or muscle group, which stays tense and hardened and causes pain.

Common symptoms: localized stiffness, pain when moving or when pressing the area, and a sensation of a "knot" or bulge under the skin.

Common causes: physical overexertion, sustained postures, stress, lack of warm-up when exercising, or sudden movements.

Which specialist treats it? The physical therapist and the orthopedist are the usual points of reference for these complaints, and sports medicine is useful when they are related to physical activity. When a muscle spasm persists, recurs frequently, or limits your activities, it is advisable to have a professional review what is causing it.