What is a Muscle Cramp?

A muscle cramp is a sudden, brief, involuntary and generally painful contraction of a muscle or group of 

Group of muscles.

Almost everyone has muscle cramps at some point, but certain conditions increase the risk and/or intensity of cramps. The following are included:

Circumstances that cause or contribute to muscle cramps

Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle strain or simply holding a position for a prolonged period can cause a muscle cramp. In many cases, however, the cause isn't known.

Although most muscle cramps are harmless, some may be related to an underlying medical condition, such as:

Inadequate blood supply. Narrowing of the arteries that deliver blood to your legs (arteriosclerosis of the extremities) can produce cramp-like pain in your legs and feet while you're exercising. These cramps usually go away soon after you stop exercising.

Nerve compression. Compression of nerves in your spine (lumbar stenosis) also can produce cramp-like pain in your legs. The pain usually worsens the longer you walk. Walking in a slightly flexed position — such as you would use when pushing a shopping cart ahead of you — may improve or delay the onset of your symptoms.

Mineral depletion. Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in your diet can contribute to leg cramps. Diuretics — medications often prescribed for high blood pressure — also can deplete these minerals.

Warning signs

In people with muscle cramps, the following symptoms and characteristics are of particular concern:

• Cramps in the arms or trunk

• Muscle spasms

• Weakness

• Cramps that occur after a loss of body fluids (dehydration) or after the use of diuretics

• Pain or numbness unless it occurs at the same time as the cramps

Prevention of muscle cramps

The best approach is the prevention of cramps. The following preventive measures can be considered:

• Not exercising immediately after eating

• Perform gentle muscle stretches before exercising or going to sleep

• Drink plenty of fluids (especially isotonic drinks, which contain potassium) after exercise

• Cutting on consumption of caffeine (for example, coffee or chocolate)

• Avoid stimulant drugs, such as ephedrine or pseudoephedrine (a decongestant that is part of many products available in pharmacies that do not require a prescription)

• Stretching increases the flexibility of muscles and tendons, reducing the chance that they will contract involuntarily. 

• Runner's stretches (gastrocnemius) are the best way to prevent calf cramps.

 First aid treatment of muscle cramps

If a disorder that can cause muscle cramps is identified, it is treated.

If a cramp occurs, it is usually relieved by stretching the affected muscle. 

For example, in a calf cramp, the subject may pull up on their foot and toes with one hand, or they may perform the runner's stretch.

 Massages can temporarily relieve some types of cramp.

Conclusion

Muscle cramp is a form of muscular dysfunction that may not be curable with drugs. It is best treated by preventive measures. It is best to consult a physician if the situation persist for a longer period of time. It will do you a lot of good if you avoid triggers which lead to muscle spasm.