We have all experienced the uncomfortable feeling of a muscle cramp. The most common cramps are ‘nocturnal cramps’ – the ones you get at night, that wake you up and have you hopping around to make the pain go away… sound familiar?
Why do cramps happen?
A muscle cramp is an involuntary and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. When our muscles function normally they work opposingly, contracting on one side and lengthening on the other. When a cramp hits, the muscle spasms, but stays there. Blood can’t flow properly into the muscle to help it lengthen and the unbearable pain starts — that’s what causes cramps.
How can we stop cramps?
Most cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched. Leg and feet cramps can be relaxed by simply walking around. For a calf muscle cramp, stand about 60 to 75 centimeters from a wall (possibly farther for a tall person) and lean into the wall placing your forearms against the wall with your knees and back straight and heels in contact with the floor. (It is best to learn this maneuver at a time when you don’t have the cramp.)
Another technique involves flexing your ankle by pulling your toes up toward your head while lying in bed with your leg as straight as possible.
For writer’s cramp (contractures in the hand), pressing your hand on a wall with your fingers facing down will stretch the cramping finger flexor muscles. Gently massaging the muscle or applying warmth from a heating pad or hot soak will also often help it to relax.
To prevent cramps, it is recommended to stretch before and after exercise and to drink plenty of water, ensuring you are hydrated before during and after exercise.
Conclusion
Unfortunately there is no ‘cure’ for cramps, they can be unexpected, occur at the most awkward times and can be quite painful. On the brighter side, they don’t last very long with most only lasting a few minutes. But if they’re cramping your style, it is best that you visit a GP, doctorstaging.wpengine.com can help you find a doctor close to you, visit www.doctorstaging.wpengine.com.