Muscle cramps are annoying, painful and can strike at any time. Cramps are often harmless but in some situations can be symptomatic of an underlying medical condition. Here is everything you need to know about what triggers muscle cramps and what you can do to treat them.
What is a Muscle Cramp?
A muscle cramp is a sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more muscles. Cramps can affect any muscle group and last anywhere from a few seconds up to 15min with varying severity. Our nervous system is responsible for signalling the movements of our muscles via cells called motor neurones. When these motor neurones are fired faster then normal, muscle cramps can occur. What this means is that muscle cramps are related to an issue with our nerves rather then an issue with the muscles themselves. Muscle cramps can be very painful and in some cases may be accompanied by a bulging lump of muscle beneath the skin.
What Causes Muscle Cramps?
There is still some uncertainty around the exact cause of muscle cramps. There are however a number of factors that can contribute to the likelihood of experiencing a muscle cramp. Dehydration, overexertion and mineral imbalances or insufficiency (calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium) are all linked to muscle cramps and are typically brought about by involvement in physical activity. Nocturnal cramps on the other hand occur during the night after you have been asleep for an extended period. These types of cramps are generally triggered by long bouts of immobility. Cramps can also be triggered by the use of some medications or indicate an underlying health condition such as Atherosclerosis or Sciatica.
How to Treat Cramps
Fortunately cramps are normally quite easy to treat. Warming up and cooling down for your workouts, staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet that includes a healthy balance of magnesium, sodium, potassium and calcium should do enough to reduce if not eliminate your cramps. If you’re prone to cramping, monitor you workout intensity as overexertion can trigger the onset of more cramps. If a cramp strikes, try stretching out the effected area to alleviate the pain and discomfort. Applying heat or massaging the affected area can also help to alleviate your discomfort.
Cramps should not frequently interrupt you daily activities. If you’ve tried these self care measures and your cramps are still persisting, try talking to your doctor for further treatment options.
xx Tara
Do you suffer from muscle cramps? Let me know in the comments section below.
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