01 Apr 2010 Blackmores Muscle cramps 75474 views 2 min to read Cramps can affect any muscle in the body, but are most commonly experienced in the calves and feet. Energy 0 ratings Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Linkedin 0 comments Symptoms A sudden, involuntary, painful spasm (or tightening) of a muscle. Muscle twitching. Cramps generally resolve by themselves after a few moments. In some cases, cramps may be indicative of underlying disease. Consult your doctor if you experience cramps frequently, if your symptoms are severe, or if the cramps take longer than a few minutes to disappear. Causes Although the reason that cramps occur is not fully understood, a number of risk factors have been identified. These include: Imbalance of the minerals (electrolytes) involved in muscle contraction and relaxation, including magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium. This may occur due to dietary inadequacy, but may also be a consequence of the fluid losses that occur during vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and excessive sweating. Being in poor physical health. Having tight or inflexible muscles, or poor muscle tone. Muscle injury or fatigue. Wearing high-heeled shoes for long periods of time. Natural therapies Magnesium helps all the muscles of the body to function optimally and to contract in a normal, healthy way. It is also important for exercise performance . Taking a magnesium supplement* may help prevent muscular cramps and spasms and aid in the management of leg cramps that occur during the night. *Magnesium may only be of assistance when dietary intake is inadequate Diet and lifestyle During a cramp, lengthen the muscle by gently stretching it. Follow this by rubbing or massaging the affected muscle, but again, be gentle. Apply an ice pack if necessary. Stretching before and after exercise is important. Yoga classes are a great way to improve your flexibility and stretch out your muscles, and regular massage can aid muscle relaxation. Make sure you warm up and cool down before you exercise. Maintain adequate fluid intake. Aim for at least two litres of water every day, with additional water before, during and after exercise sessions. If you’re prone to excessive perspiration, or if you train for extended periods or in hot temperatures, it may be appropriate to take an electrolyte replacement drink to rehydrate the body and quickly replace minerals lost in the sweat. Eat a well-balanced diet that contains large quantities and a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Avoid wearing high heels or shoes that don’t fit comfortably. Important notes Seek medical advice if you experience frequent, severe, or extended cramping, or if you are concerned that your prescribed medicine may be causing or contributing to your cramps. You may need to switch to a different medication. If you experience cramping pain in the chest that radiates to the shoulder, arm or neck, it’s possible you are having a heart attack. Call for an ambulance immediately, as it’s better to be safe than sorry. Overview People who use muscles all the time, such as athletes, gardeners and professional drivers, often suffer from cramps in one or more muscles. Symptoms A sharp, sudden, painful spasm (or tightening) of a muscle, especially in the legs The muscle feels hard to the touch Twitching of the muscle Persistent cramping pains in lower abdominal muscles Exercise-induced (heat) cramps Causes Muscles contract or lengthen in response to desire to move. Cramps occur when a muscle contracts with great intensity and stays contracted, refusing to stretch out again. The occasional muscle cramp is not cause for concern, but if they occur frequently there may be an underlying mineral or hormonal imbalance. This is particularly the case with older people, who may experience muscle cramps when taking certain drugs that deplete the minerals potassium and magnesium from the body. In younger people, cramps are more commonly due to loss of mineral salts and dehydration brought on by exercising (particularly in high temperatures) - these are commonly referred to as heat cramps. Poor circulation can also result in cramps, particularly in the calf muscle. Therapies Potassium and magnesium deficiency are both associated with recurrent cramping; for best results, use these two minerals in combination Electrolyte replacement drinks are used for heat cramps, as they re-hydrate the body and quickly replace minerals lost through sweating. Lifestyle Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, and ensure you are receiving plenty of potassium and magnesium by eating a well-balanced diet. Fruits such as apricots (especially dried), bananas and raisins contain high amounts of potassium, whilst nuts and soya beans are good sources of magnesium. Stretching before and after exercise is important. Yoga classes are a great way to improve your flexibility and stretch out your muscles. Regular massage can also help to keep the muscles relaxed.