A muscle cramp is a sudden and involuntary contraction of
one or more of the body muscles. Muscle cramps can cause excruciating pain. Excess
exercise or physical labour, particularly in hot weather, may lead to muscle
cramps.
Symptoms:
Most muscle cramps develop in the leg muscles, particularly
the muscle of the calf. There is sudden and sharp pain in the muscle and the
patient may be able to feel or see a hard lump of muscle tissue beneath the
skin.
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Sharp and sudden pain in the muscle involved.
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May cause severe discomfort in the hands and
feet.
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Is associated with leg swelling, redness or skin
changes.
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Associated with muscle weakness.
Causes:
- Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle strain or simply holing a position for a prolonged period of time may result in a muscle cramp.
- Inadequate blood supply: Narrowing of the arteries that deliver blood to the legs, as in arteriosclerosis, can produce cramp like pain in the legs and feet while exercising.
- Nerve compression: Compression of nerves in the spine can produce cramp like pain in the legs. The pain usually worsens the longer the patient walks.
- Mineral Depletion: Deficiency of Potassium, sodium, calcium or magnesium in the diet can cause leg cramps.
- Diuretics: Diuretics are water pills which are used in high blood pressure. They cause depletion of minerals like Sodium, Potassium, magnesium and calcium, causing cramps.
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- Risk Factors:
Factors that may increase your risk of muscle cramps
include.
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Age: Older people lose muscle mass. The
remaining muscle may get overstressed more easily. This may increase the risk
of muscle cramps.
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Dehydration: Dehydration causes frequent muscle
cramps.
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Pregnancy: Muscle cramps also are more common
during pregnancy.
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Medical Diseases: Certain medical diseases like
diabetes, liver diseases and thyroid disease is associated with a higher risk
of muscle cramps.
Treatment:
- Stretching exercises and drinking plenty of fluid, such as water, is helpful in treating simple muscle cramps.
- Sufficient salt intake improves symptoms. Sodium loss causes cramps.
- Vitamin E, calcium and vitamin D3, vitamin B complex, folic acid and iron helps in prevention and treatment of cramps.
- Calcium channel blockers and Quinine tablets are effective in cases not controlled by conservative treatment.
Prevention:
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Fruits, fruit juices and green leafy vegetables
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Avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids.
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Stretch the muscles. Stretch before and after
you use any muscle for an extended period. If you tend to have leg cramps at
night, stretch before bedtime. Light exercise, such as riding a stationary
bicycle for a few minutes before bedtime, also may help prevent cramps while
you’re sleeping.
