Cramps, spasm (muscle cramps, calf cramp or spasm) are usually strong tensions of the muscles, which often occur without the will of the person. This is just as often accompanied by pain. Cramps can be felt locally but also over the entire body. Cramps can also occur in the internal organs, for example, stomach cramps in chronic inflammation of the intestines.
What are cramps?
Cramps can come in a variety of forms. Rhythmic convulsions that are rapid and sequential are common. These are often accompanied by prolonged pain in the muscles. Cramps can come in a variety of forms. Common are rhythmic twitches that act quickly and sequentially. These are often accompanied by long-lasting pain in the muscles. Typical examples of these cramps are cramps during sports or calf cramps during sleep. In addition, there are also cramps of smooth muscles, which can occur mostly in the organs. As an example, there are cramps of the urinary bladder or gall bladder. So, in summary, cramps occur particularly clearly in calf cramps. Nevertheless, cramps in renal colic, cramps of bronchial tubes and blood vessels should also be mentioned. In the so-called convulsive seizures, there are convulsive twitches of the whole body.
Causes
The most common causes of cramps of the muscles are disturbances of the electrolyte balance. In particular, the deficiency of magnesium and sodium chloride very often trigger cramps. In turn, a deficiency of these electrolytes is often caused by heavy sweating (e.g., during sports and physical work), during which these substances are excreted from the body through sweat. Likewise, the cause could also be due to a lack of fluids, as water often makes important electrolytes, such as salts and other minerals, available to the body. This effect of cramps occurring with a lack of fluids is often noticed after consuming too much alcohol, where the body loses a lot of fluid through urine and breathing. However, cramps of the muscles can occur in the context of polyneuropathy. Prolonged cramps not infrequently occur in the course of diseases. Important diseases worth mentioning here are tetanus, facial spasm (fascial spasm) and torticollis. Pathological organic-related cramps occur in cases of kidney stones, pancreatitis, abdominal pregnancy, appendicitis and Crohn’s disease, among others. The causes of cramps affecting the whole body are mostly the well-known cramping symptoms of epilepsy, meningitis (meningitis), fever but also alcohol and drug withdrawal. Bronchospasms can also occur in bronchial asthma.
Diseases with this symptom
- Meningitis
- Tetanus
- Diabetes mellitus
- Cholera
- Hypothyroidism
- Epilepsy
- Brain tumor
- Rabies
- Crohn’s disease (chronic inflammation of the intestine)
- Food poisoning
- Cystitis
- Calf cramps
Complications
Although cramps are mostly painful, they are considered harmless. Serious complications may occur if the symptoms persist for a long time or recur. If so, there may be a serious underlying condition that requires independent treatment. Muscle and calf cramps can lead to dangerous complications if they occur while swimming or in traffic, for example. In addition to the risk of an accident, cramps also pose the risk of other complaints. For example, severe pain and restrictions in mobility can sometimes occur, and stomach cramps can be accompanied by digestive disorders and similar side effects. In the treatment of cramps, medications and home remedies alike can lead to a temporary intensification of the symptoms. These generally last until the treatment is adjusted to the causative disease and the patient’s constitution. Cramps due to nutrient deficiency can lead to circulatory problems and various other complications as they progress. Cramps that occur after eating or bowel movements also indicate a deeper problem. The possible complications range from the formation of irritable bowel syndrome to serious intestinal diseases that often interact with the cramps.A rapid clarification by a physician is therefore advisable in any case.
When should you go to the doctor?
Cramps on the outer limbs tend to be harmless in nature. More critical are cramps that affect the internal organs. It can be said as a general rule that the stomach can withstand more cramps without harm to health than the lungs or the heart. Cramps in the kidneys can lead to chronic poisoning symptoms in the long term. Therefore, even less painful cramps, if they occur more frequently over several consecutive days, should be examined by a physician. However, there is no urgency here, and a timely doctor’s appointment is sufficient. If cramps occur in the chest area, a visit to the doctor should not be delayed for long. The heart, lungs and liver are suppliers of vital oxygen. Kidney cramps, which usually increase over several days, must also be treated quickly by a doctor in order to avoid chronic symptoms of poisoning. In the case of severely painful cramps, the doctor must be consulted immediately. This applies especially to liver and kidney cramps, pain in the heart region and also the appendix, which can radiate its inflammatory pain to the entire lower abdominal region. If there is pain in the stomach, check to see if the cramping is digestion-induced stomach discomfort or appendicitis or inflammation. If the abdominal wall feels harder on one side than the other, a doctor must also be consulted immediately, as appendicitis is life-threatening.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of cramps depends on the form of cramps that occur. It is important to know where the cramps occur. If a doctor is consulted for these complaints, the exact cramp characteristics and pain should be described. Especially the course and the intensity play an elementary role in finding the cause. As a rule, the doctor will then initiate a general examination of the body. If the cramps are severe, blood may be drawn to determine electrolyte levels. If the cramps occur more in the organic area, the abdomen is palpated and, if necessary, ultrasound examinations are performed. If further abnormalities are found, the examination can also be continued by means of computer tomography (CT), electroencephalography (EEG), cerebrospinal fluid puncture (CSF puncture) or X-ray examination of the abdominal cavity. If the final cause of the convulsions is then clear, treatment should be carried out. Cramps of the muscles (e.g. calf cramps) can be treated and prevented by stretching exercises and taking electrolytes such as magnesium. Cramps related to organic diseases can usually only be cured by surgery of the pathological cause (e.g. kidney stones or appendicitis). In the case of kidney stones, shock wave therapy can also be used. Similarly, cramps that have their cause in other diseases should first be treated by treating these diseases. Exemplary here would be epilepsy or pancreatitis.
Outlook and prognosis
In most people, seizures occur for only a short time and usually disappear on their own without the need for special treatment. They often lead to severe pain and can significantly restrict the daily life of the affected person. As a result, it is no longer possible to perform physical work without further ado or to engage in sports. Regular cramps greatly reduce the quality of life. In most cases, treatment can be carried out, which also leads to success. What the treatment looks like depends largely on the cause of the cramps themselves. If the cramps occur in muscles or joints, they can be treated in physiotherapy, by massages or with the help of creams and ointments. It is also possible that the cramps occur due to an incorrect sitting posture or incorrect execution of an athletic exercise. If the cramps occur in the stomach, an infection or inflammation in the stomach is usually responsible for them. In this case, treatment is carried out with antibiotics. As a rule, this quickly leads to success. In this case, the patient should eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids. If the cramps are severe and last for a long time, an emergency doctor should be called. He or she can administer antispasmodics to the patient and thus stop the cramps for a short time.
Prevention
Cramps of the muscles can be well prevented by a healthy diet and intake of sufficient fluids, because here enough electrolytes are absorbed for the body. In addition, stretching exercises and a healthy amount of sports help to keep the muscles supple. Furthermore, alcohol consumption should be curbed.
Home remedies and herbs for cramps
- The active ingredients of valerian calm and have an antispasmodic effect. A valerian bath helps with difficulty falling asleep, nervousness or stress. Three tablespoons of valerian tincture are added to a full bath, or 8 to 12 tablespoons of valerian roots are steeped in 3 liters of boiling water, which is then added to the bath water. Its nerve-calming effect makes this bath also help with nervous skin.
What you can do yourself
Cramps occur in various situations, but mostly during sports. If cramps become noticeable during sports, affected persons should stop and stretch the lower leg. It is also advisable to gently massage the calf and loosen the foot. Then check whether the shoes fit comfortably or the sportswear is too tight. It is advisable to take a few steps and drink a little fluid. In cold weather, sufferers should wear thick stockings or warming pants. As soon as cramps occur at night, sufferers should pull the tip of their foot up toward the knee while lying down. The heel must be moved away from the body. Some people are helped by gently massaging the calf. Other people, however, need to step up and walk a few steps before the cramp subsides. Heat is recommended afterwards. In general, comfortable shoes are advisable to counteract cramps. Regular exercise, as well as specific stretching exercises are also useful. It is advisable to avoid an abrupt change from heat to cold. Especially in summer, people should not jump into cold water overheated. A balanced diet is also worth mentioning in order to avoid deficiency symptoms. Foods rich in magnesium include fruit, green vegetables, legumes and whole grain products. Bananas, oatmeal as well as spinach are excellent for preventing cramps.
