What causes muscle cramps?
Have you ever been working out or lying in bed and then Wham! A charely horse? What is a charely horse anyway?
A muscle cramp or "charley horse" is is an involuntarily contracted muscle that just will not relax! Any of the muscles skeletal muscles can cramp. Cramps of the extremities are very common, especially the legs and feet, and particularly the calf as those in commando cardio can attest:-)
Most of the cramps I see in fitness related stuff is from muscle fatigue from exercise or overuse of a particular muscle. The other main cause of cramps is imbalances of fluids, hormones, or body salts (the "electrolytes" calcium, magnesium, potassium) or dehydration (this is the big one for those that are doing alot of cardio and sweating).
So now you know the what and why of muscle cramps....how do you stop them is the big question! Well, most muscle cramps can be stopped if the muscle is stretched, massaged, or if cold packs are applied.
If you get very frequent muscle cramps you should go to the doctor because there may be some more serious problems not covered here that the doctor may want to give you some medications for.
Any questions on muscle cramps or other cool things your body does to you when you dont want it to?
A muscle cramp or "charley horse" is is an involuntarily contracted muscle that just will not relax! Any of the muscles skeletal muscles can cramp. Cramps of the extremities are very common, especially the legs and feet, and particularly the calf as those in commando cardio can attest:-)
Most of the cramps I see in fitness related stuff is from muscle fatigue from exercise or overuse of a particular muscle. The other main cause of cramps is imbalances of fluids, hormones, or body salts (the "electrolytes" calcium, magnesium, potassium) or dehydration (this is the big one for those that are doing alot of cardio and sweating).
So now you know the what and why of muscle cramps....how do you stop them is the big question! Well, most muscle cramps can be stopped if the muscle is stretched, massaged, or if cold packs are applied.
If you get very frequent muscle cramps you should go to the doctor because there may be some more serious problems not covered here that the doctor may want to give you some medications for.
Any questions on muscle cramps or other cool things your body does to you when you dont want it to?
4 Comments:
pretty unscientific, you dick piece
pretty unscientific, you dickpiece
Care to share your more scientific answer then?
Go ahead and break it down if your interested:
Clinical features
Acute onset
Short duration
Muscle contraction: Strong & palpable
Relief by stretching muscle
Etiologies
Ordinary: Common in normal people
Distribution
Gastrocnemius
Frequent cramps in other muscles suggests neuromuscular disease
Onset
During or after exercise
Sleep
Provoked by
Contraction of shortened muscle
10 Hz electrical stimulation
Neurogenic: ? Terminal region of peripheral nerve
Stretching muscle terminates cramp
More here: http://www.neuro.wustl.edu/neuromuscular/mother/mpain.html#cramps
Cramps may be caused due to a number of reasons such as dehydration, low salt intake, low carbohydrate levels or over training. A very common area for cramps taking place is the calf muscle. The cramp leads to an involuntary contraction of the muscles accompanied with pain. Severe cramps can also tear the muscle fiber , and should be treated quickly.
Common treatment for cramps
Stretch and massage the affected muscle to relive the pain. Take some salt in water. An increase in the blood flow of the area helps to reduce the pain. A doctor will also prescribe massages.
Found at:http://www.expertrating.com
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