According to the definition, muscle cramps (spec. spasm) is an involuntary and at the same time unavoidable, permanent contraction of a muscle, or a muscle group, which is accompanied by severe pain and limited mobility of the cramping body part.
What are muscle cramps?
Muscle cramps can occur spontaneously at rest, or after intense muscle exertion. They most commonly affect the calf, thigh, or hand muscles. Muscle cramps can occur spontaneously at rest, or after intense muscular effort. The calf, thigh, or hand muscles are most often affected, with the most common causes being a magnesium deficiency in the body, or a calcium deficiency in the blood. Tetany, caused by a lack of calcium in the blood, is a spasmodic disorder of the motor function, which can be expressed as a tingling sensation (as a sign of over-excitability of the nerves and muscles) or as a painful spasm. In a muscle spasm, the human body lacks sufficient magnesium to counteract the involuntary contraction.
Causes
Muscle cramps are usually caused by overexertion, such as occurs during sports, or by a magnesium deficiency. Sports-related supplementary said, a lack of saline, or a general lack of fluid can also lead to a muscle cramp. Other possible causes include wearing stockings and/or shoes that are too tight, the presence of varicose veins, cold, or a potassium deficiency (caused, for example, by excessive sweating). Muscle cramps may occur more frequently in diabetic patients, in people with circulatory disorders, or in the presence of a nervous disease. Scientific discussions are currently underway regarding the influence of alcohol and the use of certain medications as triggers.
Diseases with this symptom
- Magnesium deficiency
- Diabetes insipidus
- Mineral deficiency
- Kidney weakness
- Calcium deficiency
- Gastrointestinal flu
- Hypothyroidism
- Myopathy
- Potassium deficiency
- Crohn’s disease
- Polyneuropathy
- Lambert-Eaton-Rooke syndrome
Course
In magnesium deficiency, potassium return transport into the cell is interrupted. However, this is important to stop electrical excitation and the influx of calcium ions into the smallest unit of muscle, the sarcomere. If this does not proceed smoothly, a muscle spasm, i.e. a persistent muscle contraction, can develop. This manifests itself in sudden, severe muscle pain. This occasionally leads to a feeling of numbness and restricted mobility in the cramped part of the body, as well as to a hardening and possible swelling of the muscle. Usually, however, this passes quickly. The triggered pain, however, can outlast the cramp. The muscles of the foot and lower leg are most stressed during sports, as are the muscles of the hand when writing. Because of this, muscle cramps occur most often there (the same is true for less athletic people).
When should you go to the doctor?
Muscle cramps resulting from a short-term magnesium deficiency or diarrhea usually do not require treatment. The cramps often manifest in the calf muscles, but occasionally in the feet or lateral back muscles. If the muscle cramps occur only occasionally, the affected person does not need to see a doctor. However, it is different if the patient suffers from muscle cramps frequently. If he is active in sports, the muscle cramps may indicate incorrect loads or insufficient warm-up exercises of the muscles. To clarify the cause of the cramps, a visit to a sports specialist is advisable. He or she may also ask questions about dietary habits. Muscle cramps can occur in athletes as well as in older people as a result of dehydration and heavy sweating. A temporary lack of fluids and mineral salts can easily be compensated by oneself. A visit to the doctor is advisable if frequent muscle cramps cause suffering. Sufferers should pay attention to accompanying symptoms. In case of headache, backache, night sweat or a feeling of weakness in the whole muscular system, a visit to the doctor is advisable. The same applies if there is unsteadiness of gait or movement or fatigue and tiredness.Since muscle cramps can occur as an accompanying symptom of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or kidney disease, they are a symptom that should be taken seriously. In some circumstances, they may indicate an as yet unrecognized condition such as an arterial circulatory disorder.
Treatment and therapy
However, because the causes of muscle cramps have not yet been fully elucidated by science, and because several factors likely combine in a muscle cramp, no causative treatment is currently available. Only the symptoms can be treated and the muscle cramp can be prevented. When a muscle cramp occurs, the movement being performed should be stopped immediately and the muscle either stretched or actively relaxed. Light massages and the application of certain ointments and creams are also effective. Movement should be continued only after the cramp has resolved. In sports, care should also be taken to ensure adequate hydration after a cramp. If it is the case that further muscle cramps occur more frequently, a doctor must be consulted in order to clarify the cause. If necessary, he will prescribe physiotherapy, or in rare cases, therapy with muscle-loosening and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Outlook and prognosis
Muscle cramps in the legs or back can feel dramatic. However, they are often due to a momentary deficiency or excess consumption of magnesium. Before and after athletic exertion, in cases of dehydration, or during severe stress, it may therefore be useful to supplement magnesium and calcium as a preventive measure. In acute cases, there is the prospect of quickly getting rid of the muscle cramps through a rapid supply of minerals. However, the prognosis is much worse if the muscle cramps are the result of a serious illness. Examples include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or a cerebral seizure. Muscle cramps can also occur as a consequence of hormonal disorders and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Anyone taking laxatives or diuretics, medication for high blood pressure or similar preparations should also improve their mineral supply as a preventive measure. The individual prognosis for muscle cramps always depends on the underlying disease. A balanced electrolyte balance plays a central role in preventing muscle cramps. If muscle cramps occur despite a regular supply of electrolytes or minerals, the affected person should think of an internal or neurological disease. In this case, they are probably not idiopathic or paraphysiological muscle cramps, but probably symptomatic. This worsens the prognosis regarding muscle spasms at least as long as the underlying disease remains untreated.
Prevention
Muscle cramp can be prevented by adequate fluid and magnesium intake. Magnesium can be taken in the form of tablets, which can be purchased over-the-counter at online pharmacies and drugstores, or with food. Foods rich in magnesium include nuts, spinach and whole grain products. You should also warm up sufficiently before exercising. Measures that promote circulation, such as gymnastics and alternating baths, can also have a positive effect. It is also advisable to reduce daily alcohol and coffee consumption and to avoid overloading, especially in the initial phase of training. In sports, sufficient stretching after training has a regenerative effect. In summary, a muscle cramp is the involuntary contraction of a certain muscle, which is sometimes accompanied by severe pain and immobility of the affected body part. This can be well prevented in self-direction and requires only in the rarest cases of a medical treatment, or a drug therapy.
What you can do yourself
In the case of muscle cramps, it is not always necessary to see a doctor. For acute cramps, a warm bath or hot shower often already helps. A hot washcloth fulfills a similar effect and stimulates blood circulation, which loosens the cramp. A massage can also bring the longed-for relief in the case of an acute muscle cramp. Severe cramps can be relieved by pressing on the cramp point with the thumb two to three times for about ten seconds.Stretching is an effective remedy for mild cramps in the calves and thighs. In the case of severe cramps, on the other hand, the muscles should be rested for a few hours. It is also advisable to drink plenty of fluids, as the cause of muscle cramps is often a lack of fluids or minerals. Eating whole grain products, nuts or vegetables provides the muscles with the magnesium and potassium they need. In addition, alternative remedies help. Oil blends of wintergreen oil and vegetable oil increase circulation and relieve cramps in the calves. Cramps in the legs can be relieved with tonic water. Chronic or particularly severe muscle cramps that cannot be relieved by measures mentioned should be discussed with a physician.