A muscle cramp is when one muscle or a group of muscles experiences sudden, full-strength involuntary contractions. Tiny tears in your muscle tissues may occur similar to muscular damage done by overexertion and weightlifting which can cause pain for several days. Athletes or individuals who sweat a lot are more susceptible to cramps because of the electrolytes lost in perspiration.
Common Treatments
Stop whatever you're doing when you get a muscle cramp. Massage and stretch the affected muscles. Apply heat to relax the muscle if the pain and cramping continue. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen will help ease the pain.
Stretch a Charley Horse
A charley horse is another name for a muscle cramp, usually referring to spasms that occur in your hamstring, quadriceps and calf muscles. A charley horse can cause pain sufficient to wake individuals from a sound sleep. Flex whatever muscle is cramping for a gentle stretch. When you have a cramp in your hamstring or calf muscle, flex your foot to elongate the muscle. To lose a cramp in your quadriceps, bend your knee to bring your heel to your butt and grab your ankle for a gentle stretch.
Hydrate
Fight the most common cause of muscle cramps by staying hydrated. Prevent dehydration by consuming sports drinks that replace minerals and electrolytes or water. Cramping individuals suffering from dehydration may require salt tablets to replenish lost minerals.
Apply Heat
If you're close to a bathroom, taking a shower or bath might be the quickest and easiest way to bathe the cramping muscle in heat. A heating pad, hot water bottle or hot towels are other ways to apply heat.
Get Professional Help
Although it's not unusual to have a muscle cramp during exercise, it can indicate a more serious health condition such as narrowing of the arteries, nerve compression or a potassium deficiency. Reoccurring severe cramps for no apparent reason and that don't respond well to treatment is cause to see your doctor.
