Muscle cramps occur in approximately 95% of people. They are more common in adults, particularly as they get older, however, muscle cramps occur in children also. Generally cramps occur in skeletal muscles, the muscles that are under voluntary control. These muscles contract or ‘spasm’ and cannot relax, and this is what is referred to as a cramp.
Cramps are involuntary, can be very painful and can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. Occasionally they can last for up to 15 minutes. When muscle cramps occur, there is a lack of control of the muscle spasm, and the muscle can feel hard and twitching may be visible. This spasm is due to spontaneous contractions where the muscle is unable to relax. Generally, cramps affect individual muscle groups.
The Causes Of Muscle Cramps
It is not known exactly why muscle cramps occur but is believed to be due to several probable causes. These causes include:
- Muscle fatigue or vigorous exercise or activity: over use of the muscles can cause cramping after the exercise has occurred, even hours later.
- Injury: this occurs as a protective mechanism.
- Dehydration: usually as a result of heavy exercise and sweating
- Lying or sitting still: fatigue of muscles can occur due to lying or sitting in the same position for a long time, or from lying or sitting in an awkward position.
- Rest cramps: these are cramps that occur during sleep, believed to occur when the sleeper moves a limb, which causes a shortening of the muscles. This typically occurs in the calf muscles.
- Shift in body fluid: referring to an unusual body fluid distribution
- Low levels of calcium or magnesium: low levels of calcium or magnesium in the blood are said to increase the nerve ending and muscle excitability.
- Low potassium
- Tetanus: referring to spasmodic contractions of voluntary muscles
- Some medications
- Certain vitamin deficiencies
Treatment And Relief Of Muscle Cramps
As with most things, prevention is better then a cure. While it is not always possible to prevent cramps, there are some ways to decrease the risk of getting cramps. These include stretching properly and frequently, and warming up and cooling down correctly, before and after exercise. Drinking plenty of water during exercise or activity to avoid dehydration may also help.
If muscle cramp does occur, relief can be obtained by applying a heat pad or massaging the effected area. Stretching and relaxing the muscle repeatedly may help if not too painful to do. Most cramps only last a few minutes. If a person suffers from prolonged or repeated cramp, they should consult their doctor who may prescribe pain relief or muscle relaxants to treat the cramping.
For more information on muscle cramps, go to Medicine Net.
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