If you've ever been running or playing sports and had your legs or abdomen suddenly cause you intense pain, you probably have experienced muscle cramping. Muscle cramping can be due to a variety of causes and a low amount of electrolytes can play a role in the formation of muscle cramps.
Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps are involuntary and generally painful muscle contractions, MedLinePlus notes. The muscles that most frequently involved in muscle cramps are your calf, hamstrings and quadricep muscle groups. Other common areas for muscle cramps include the ribcage, hands, feet, abdomen and arms. Muscle cramps are more common during periods of intense exercise, but you can also have muscles cramp when you are at rest; for example, a charley horse is an example of a muscle cramp.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals which have an electrical charge when they are dissolved in the blood or other liquids within the body, the Merck Manual explains. Electrolytes are important because many cells, including nerve and muscle cells, use electrical activity as part of their function. These cells can control their electrical charge by modifying the amount of electrolytes inside and outside of the cell. Electrolyte imbalances can disrupt the way that your muscle and nerve cells work because they are the most sensitive to changes in electrolytes.
Electrolytes and Cramping
When your body gets low on electrolytes it can cause your muscles to cramp, MayoClinic.com explains. Specifically, low levels of magnesium, potassium and calcium can trigger muscle cramping. Electrolyte depletion is more common when you are doing intense exercise because you lose some electrolytes through your sweat. Electrolyte depletion can also occur if you are taking diuretic medications or are losing fluids due to vomiting or diarrhea.
Treatment
If you develop muscle cramps, stop doing whatever activity triggered the cramp and try to stretch the muscle out, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons notes. Massage the craming muscle and hold it in a stretched position until the cramping abates. You can also apply heat or cold to the muscle. If you find that you are getting muscle cramps frequently or that your cramps do not respond to simple treatments, talk to a doctor, as you may have an underlying disorder causing the cramps
