Muscle Cramp

What is Muscle cramp?

An involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscle that
does not relax
A muscle that involuntarily contracts is in a "spasm"
If the spasm is forceful and sustained, it becomes a
cramp
Muscle cramps cause a visible or palpable hardening
of the involved muscle
Cramps especially the legs and feet, and most
particularly the calf, are very common
The types and causes of muscle cramps

4 major
types:
True
cramps
Tetany
contracture
s
Dystoni
c
cramps
True cramps
Cause: hyperexcitability of the nerves that stimulate
the muscles
occur in a variety of circumstances such as:
Vigorous
activity
commonly associated with the vigorous use of muscles
and muscle fatigue
muscle fatigue from sitting or lying for an extended
period in an awkward position can cause cramps
Rest cramps (Nocturnal
cramp)
often occur during the night
night cramps can be painful, disruptive of sleep,
and can recur frequently
such cramps are initiated by making a movement
that shortens the muscle
Example: pointing the toe down while lying in bed,
which shortens the calf muscle
Low blood calcium,
magnesium
Low blood levels of either calcium or magnesium
increase the excitability of both the nerve endings and
the muscles they stimulate
Commonly noted during pregnancy
Low potassium
although it is more common for low potassium to be
associated with muscle weakness
What is the treatment of skeletal muscle
cramps?
For many cramps of the feet and legs, stretching can
often be accomplished by standing up and walking
around
For calf muscle
cramp
The person can stand 1 foot from
the wall

The feet should be few inches
apart

With arm slightly bent, place
both palms against the wall

Slowly raise the toes of both feet
as high as is comfortable

Hold for several second, Then
lower the toes to the floor

Repeat 10 times
How can muscle cramps be prevented?

Rest
cramps
Can often be prevented by regular stretching
exercises, particularly if done before going to bed
Another important aspect of prevention of night
cramps is adequate calcium and magnesium
Calcium intake of at least 1 or 1.5 gram daily is
reasonable
Supplemental magnesium may be very beneficial for
some
However, added magnesium can be very hazardous
for people who have difficulty eliminating magnesium,
as happens with kidney insufficiency
Magnesium is present in many foods such as:

greens, grains, meat and fish, bananas,
apricots, nuts, and soybeans
but a supplemental dose of 50-100 milligrams
of magnesium daily may be appropriate