Muscle cramp
Muscle cramp
What is a muscle cramp?
A muscle cramp is an uncontrollable and painful spasm of a muscle. Any muscle can be affected, but the muscles of the calf and foot are particularly prone. A cramp can last for varying periods of time and generally resolves by itself. The exact cause of cramp is unknown but risk factors may include poor physical condition, mineral and electrolyte imbalances and tight, inflexible muscles.
Cramps are usually harmless but may sometimes be symptomatic of an underlying medical disorder, such as atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries). Regular cramping or severe cramping that lasts longer than a few minutes should always be investigated by your doctor.
Symptoms of muscle cramp
The symptoms of a muscle cramp include:
sudden sensation of uncontrollable and painful spasms in the muscle
muscle twitching.
Minerals and electrolytes
Muscle tissue relies, in part, on a range of minerals, electrolytes and other chemicals in order to contract and relax. Some of these important substances include
calcium
, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Inadequate diet, dehydration, vomiting and
diarrhoea
are just some of the factors that are thought to disturb the body’s balance of minerals and electrolytes, and make muscles more susceptible to cramping.
Tetany is a special form of cramping – it can be brought on by overbreathing, which results in a low level of carbon dioxide in the blood. It is usually caused by
anxiety
.
Risk factors for muscle cramp
The exact cause of muscle cramp is not known, but risk factors may include:
tight, inflexible muscles
poor physical condition
poor muscle tone
inadequate
diet
physical overexertion
physical exertion of cold muscles
muscle injury
muscle fatigue
excessive perspiration
dehydration – caused by, for example, a bout of
gastroenteritis
reduced blood supply (ischaemia)
wearing high-heeled shoes for lengthy periods.
Muscle cramp associated with medical conditions
Certain diseases or conditions may increase the risk of muscle cramp, including:
Atherosclerosis
– a condition characterised by narrowed arteries due to the formation of fatty plaques. Muscles are more likely to cramp if their blood supply is inadequate.
Sciatica
– pain in the buttock and leg caused by pressure on nerves in the lower back. In some cases, the irritated nerve may prompt the associated muscles to contract.
Medications
– some medical conditions require the regular use of fluid pills (diuretics). These drugs can interfere with the body’s mineral balance and contribute to cramping.
Treatment options for muscle cramp
Most muscle cramps resolve after a few seconds or minutes. There has been very little research done to work out which treatment works best, but treatment options include:
Stretch and massage
– lengthen the cramping muscle using a gentle, sustained stretch then lightly
massage
the area until the cramp subsides. If you are unsure how to stretch leg muscles, see your
physiotherapist
for advice.
Ice pack
– in cases of severe cramp, an ice pack applied for a few minutes may help the muscle to relax.
Medication
– some medications can be helpful to control muscle cramps. See your
doctor
for further information.
Further treatment
– see your doctor if you experience regular muscle cramping or if cramps last longer than a few minutes. You may have an undiagnosed medical condition that requires treatment.
Prevention strategies
Suggestions on how to reduce the likelihood of muscle cramp include:
Increase your level of
physical fitness
.
Incorporate regular stretching into your fitness routine.
Warm up and cool down thoroughly whenever you exercise or play sport.
Drink plenty of
water
before, during and after exercise.
Make sure your diet is nutritionally adequate, and include plenty of
fruits and vegetables
.
A regular massage may help to reduce muscle tension.
Wear properly fitted shoes and avoid high heels.
Where to get help
Your
GP (doctor)
Nurse-on-Call
Tel.
1300 60 60 24
– for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
Urgent Care Clinics
Your
pharmacist
External Link
Physiotherapist
Dietitians
Australia
External Link
Tel.
1800 812 942
Australian Physiotherapy
Association
External Link
Tel.
1300 306 622