Muscle cramps

Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps (pronunciation: /ˈmʌsəl kræmps/) are sudden, involuntary contractions that occur in various muscles. These contractions are often intense and painful.

Etymology

The term "muscle" is derived from the Latin musculus meaning "little mouse", possibly because of the shape of certain muscles or the way muscles move under the skin. "Cramp" comes from the Old French crampe, and is related to the Dutch kramp and the Old Norse krampr, all meaning "cramp" or "cramp iron".

Definition

A muscle cramp is a sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more of your muscles. While generally harmless, muscle cramps can make it temporarily impossible to use the affected muscle.

Causes

Muscle cramps can have many possible causes. They include:

• Dehydration
• Muscle strain
• Overuse of a muscle
• Pregnancy
• Exposure to cold temperatures
• Medical conditions, such as blood flow problems, kidney disease, or thyroid disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of muscle cramps include:

• Sudden and sharp pain
• A hard lump of muscle tissue that you can feel or see beneath your skin
• Difficulty moving the affected muscle(s)

Treatment

Treatment for muscle cramps may include:

• Stretching exercises
• Hydration
• Medication
• Physical therapy

Prevention

Prevention strategies for muscle cramps may include:

• Staying hydrated
• Stretching before and after exercise
• Eating a balanced diet that includes enough potassium, calcium, and vitamin D

Related Terms

• Muscle strain
• Muscle spasm
• Charley horse
• Nocturnal leg cramps

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Muscle cramps
• Wikipedia's article - Muscle cramps

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