Exercise-induced muscle cramps can run the gamut from a slight annoyance to a big pain, but whether it's mild or severe, a cramp can stop you from exercising. Cramps usually are caused by poor preparation before exercising and bad exercising habits, so making an effort to properly prepare for your workout can go a long way toward preventing annoying muscle cramps. By understanding the various causes of cramps, you'll know how to react when you experience one.
Facts and Statistics
Muscle cramps are a common complaint of athletes. Dr. Martin P. Schwellnus, a professor of sports medicine at the University of Cape Town, tells "The New York Times" that as many as 79 percent of triathletes experience muscle cramps at some point. Muscle cramps are preventable unless they are caused by an underlying medical condition, which your doctor can diagnose, but most cramps affect those who are healthy but pushing their bodies and their muscles harder than normal.
Causes
Exercise-induced muscle cramps usually are the result of overexertion, which limits oxygen traveling to the muscle, points out the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The contractions also can be caused by dehydration and fatigue, which also can lead to poor muscle function while exercising. Preparing your body for exercise properly can help lessen the frequency and severity of your muscle cramps.
What to Expect
People experience exercise-induced muscle cramps in different ways, but they likely are harmless. You might be plagued by a stabbing sensation or sudden snapping sensation in the muscle, or you might notice involuntary spasms in the muscle. Some muscle cramps are visible through the skin as a tight knot of muscle. If your cramps last more than a few minutes, begin treatment. If treatment doesn't seem to help, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Treatment and Prevention
Massage and heat can help relax the cramp: Stop what you're doing and slowly knead the muscle until the pain subsides, suggests Aetna's Intelihealth website. But prevention is an even better option. Begin every workout with a warm-up period to help condition your muscles for exercise. If you haven't worked out for a while, start slowly to stretch your muscles. Drink plenty of water to keep your body and your muscles hydrated and make physical activity regular to keep your muscles strong.
