Muscular cramps and spasms PDF Print E-mail
Share
A muscular spasm is when a muscle or a group of muscles suddenly contract involuntarily. This is usually accompanied by pain. A spasm does not usually last for long and the muscle will eventually relax. Causes of muscular spasms are variable and may be as simple as putting strain on a muscle while the muscle is not in a position from which it can move. An example of this is if you are holding your foot in one position with your hands and you attempt to move the position of your foot against the forces of your hands, then you may trigger a spasm in one or more of the muscles in your foot.

Certain medical conditions cause muscular spasms, usually as a result of a disorder of the nervous system.A cramp refers to the painful sensation felt when a muscle spasms. However, causes of cramps may also include exposure to cold and a lack of oxygen to the muscle due to decreased circulation to the area. Remaining still for long periods of time slows down and reduces the amount of oxygen to muscles. This is one theory as to why some people, especially the elderly, get cramps while sleeping or after sitting in one position for too long. Other causes of muscular cramps include a lack of calcium (hypocalcaemia), magnesium, sodium or potassium (hypokalemia), in the body, dehydration and over exertion (see muscular stiffness). I

ncreasing your water intake (to two litres a day), and increasing your intake of calcium (found mostly in dairy products) and potassium (found in banana and potatoes), can help ease and prevent muscular cramps. Certain hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism also cause cramping in the limbs.

Females may experience cramping sensations in the lower abdomen and pelvic area during menstruation (see Menstrual pain). The duration of a cramp and spasm can be shortened by rubbing, stretching and moving the affected muscle(s). When smooth muscles (like those found in certain organs in the stomach) cramp, then a person experiences a colicky pain (see Colic and Abdominal cramps and spasms).