Muscle cramps,cause of Muscle cramps, Treatment of cramps

Muscle cramps ➽ are painful, involuntary muscle contractions that occur suddenly and can be temporarily debilitating. The most common site of muscle cramps is the calf muscle but they may occur in any muscle. Interference at various levels of the central and peripheral nervous system and skeletal muscle are involved in the mechanism of cramp and may explain the diverse range of conditions in which cramp occurs. 

Other popular theories as to the cause of cramps include 

➻ dehydration, 

➻low potassium 

➻low sodium levels

➻inadequate carbohydrate intake 

➻excessively tight muscles 

but these hypotheses appear to be falling out of favor as the weight of evidence supports the 'neural excitability' hypothesis.

 Treatment of cramps is aimed at reducing muscle spindle and motor neuron activity by reflex inhibition and afferent stimulation. There are no proven strategies for the prevention of exercise induced muscle cramps 

➚Muscle stretching

➚Correction of muscle balance Posture

➚Adequate conditioning for the activity

➚Mental preparation for competition 

➚Avoidance of provocative drugs may all be beneficial. 

Other strategies such as incorporating plyometrics or eccentric muscle strengthening into training programs, maintaining adequate carbohydrate reserves during competition or treating myofascial trigger points require further investigation.

 Prevention of cramps involves maintenance of normal muscle tissue through adequate recovery after training with stretching and massage. 

A high carbohydrate meal should be eaten 2 to 3 hours before exercise. Adequate fluid, carbohydrate and electrolyte intake is also helpful. 

True muscle cramps should be distinguished from cramp-like muscle pain that is commonly seen in referred pain from the spine to the extremities .