Muscle cramps affect almost every athlete at one time or another. The telltale stabbing pain or sudden muscle spasm can throw a wrench into your training plans. By gaining a better understanding of the causes and symptoms of a muscle cramp, you can work to prevent cramps and know exactly how to treat them if you experience one. Don't allow muscle cramps to thwart your plans to exercise -- talk to your doctor if you experience them frequently or to a debilitating degree.
Symptoms
Different individuals may experience muscle spasms in different ways and to varying degrees. Some may explain the sensation as a stabbing pain in the muscle, while others may note that it feels like an involuntary spasm. A muscle cramp may be visible as a hard lump underneath the skin. Some muscle cramps will last only a few seconds, while others can last several minutes before relaxing and going away completely.
Causes
Muscle cramps have a variety of causes, which can make it difficult to pinpoint exactly why you experience their pain. Common causes include dehydration, the strain or overuse of a certain muscle and a lack of essential minerals in your body. These can all be remedied fairly easily. In rare cases, muscle spasms can be the result of an underlying medical cause, including pinched nerves or spinal cord injuries.
Treatment
Rest can often stop the muscle cramp quickly. Massaging or applying a warm compress to the cramped muscle can also help you relax the area to stop the cramp more quickly. If you experience muscle cramps frequently, make an appointment with your doctor. You may be mineral deficient or be experiencing a reaction to another medical problem. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a mineral supplement like magnesium carbonate or benzodiazepines. A muscle relaxer may be prescribed if you experience muscle spasms at night.
Prevention
Muscle cramps are more easily prevented than treated and taking certain precautions when you exercise can help stop muscle cramps before they ruin your workout. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your muscles healthy and hydrated. Drink water before, during and after your workout for the best results. Always stretch before you exercise to warm up your muscles and reduce strain to experience less of a chance for muscle cramping.
