Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps can happen in any part of the body. Our muscles tense and relax in unison as we move our limbs back and forth in daily life. In a similar vein, our posture-maintaining muscles contract and relax simultaneously. An unintentional contraction of a muscle without conscious thought is referred to as a "spasm." A severe, prolonged spasm develops into a cramp. An involuntary, forcibly constricted muscle that does not relax is called a cramp. The affected muscle hardens either visible or palpable during a cramp.

The duration of a muscle cramp can range from a few seconds to thirty minutes and, in rare cases, much longer. It is normal for a cramp to flare up several times before going away. A muscle cramp can affect a single muscle, the complete muscle, or a group of muscles that work together, such as the muscles that flex nearby fingers. Certain cramps cause muscles that normally move body parts in opposite directions to contract simultaneously.

Most people have experienced muscle cramps at some point in their lives. Adults frequently get cramps, which get worse with age. On the other hand, children can also get cramps.

Symptoms of Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps can cause discomfort to the affected region of the body. Some symptoms of muscle cramps are as follows: 

• Local pain
• Tenderness 
• Firmness in the muscle involved

The affected extremity's functionality is disrupted by this. A hand muscle injury may result in gripping or writing difficulties (writer's cramp). Walking may become difficult if the calf or foot muscles are impacted.

Risk Factors

There are several factors that might increase the risk of muscle cramps. Some of these include: 

• Age - Older people lose muscle mass due to which those muscles cannot perform very well, causing strains and stress. 
• Poor Conditioning - Lack of activity that causes muscles to tire more easily. 
• Extreme Sweating - Sportspeople sweating a lot while playing sports in warm weather are more likely to get muscle cramps. 
• Pregnancy - Muscle cramps are quite common during pregnancy. 
• Medical Issues - Diabetes, thyroid, etc can cause muscles to cramp. 
• Weight - Unmonitored weight can lead to muscle cramps. 

Diagnosis

Muscle cramps are usually harmless and do not require a doctor's intervention. However, if your cramps are severe, do not go away with stretching, or last for an extended period of time, you should consult a physician. This can indicate the presence of an underlying medical issue.

Your doctor will do a physical examination to determine the reason for muscle cramping. They might ask you the following questions:

• How often do you get cramps in your muscles?
• Which muscles are impacted?
• Are you currently taking any medications?
• Are you an alcoholic?
• What kind of workout routine do you follow?
• What is your daily intake of liquids?

In order to assess your kidney and thyroid function, as well as the amounts of calcium and potassium in your blood, you might also require a blood test. A pregnancy test is an additional option.

Treatment for Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps can be relieved by applying a hot or cold compress to the affected muscles when you feel a spasm. You can use any of the following: a hot cloth, a heating pad, a cold cloth, or ice to stretch the affected muscle; for example, if your calf is cramping, pull your foot upward with your hand to stretch the muscle. If this doesn't help, try taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. Gently stretching the sore muscles can also be quite helpful in relieving muscle cramps. If your cramps interfere with your sleep, consult your doctor about a prescription muscle relaxant.

Your symptoms and spasms may subside if the underlying cause of your muscle cramps is under control. For instance, if low calcium or potassium levels are the cause of your cramps, your doctor can suggest taking supplements.

For effective treatment, take supplements containing potassium and calcium.

When to See a Doctor?

Usually, muscle cramps are just temporary and do not pose a health risk. However, you must consult your physician if:

• You're in excruciating pain.
• Self-care doesn't make your cramps go away.
• Your muscles cramp up a lot.
• The duration of your muscle cramps is prolonged before they subside.
• You get cramps accompanied by muscle weakness or clumsiness.
• You observe changes in your skin, such as redness or swelling in your legs.
• You wake up at night because of your cramps.

Severe and frequent muscle cramping may indicate a problem with your nervous system, circulation, or metabolism—the process by which your body turns food into energy. It might also be brought on by diet or medicine.

Home Remedy for Muscle Cramp

Here are some home remedies that can help relieve muscle cramps: 

• Apply Cold Compress: Apply an ice pack or an ice bag to the muscle that is cramping once the discomfort has somewhat subsided. Don't forget to cover it with a cloth beforehand to avoid irritating your skin. Try rubbing the area with an ice pack to relax the muscles and relieve discomfort. 
• Lift the Cramped Area: Lift the affected area of your body if you are able to. For example, elevate your foot if it is cramping until the pain subsides.
• Over-the-Counter Analgesics: Take an acetaminophen or ibuprofen pain reliever if none of the aforementioned treatments work. Consult your physician before using other medications or have a persistent medical problem.
• Muscle Relaxants: Your doctor may recommend a muscle relaxant if self-care doesn't relieve your cramps or if you experience cramps frequently. In the short term, this kind of medication may be helpful, particularly if your cramps are keeping you from falling asleep. But discuss the benefits and drawbacks with your physician. The adverse effects of muscle relaxants, such as lightheadedness and drowsiness, can disrupt your regular schedule. 

Prevention 

Avoiding or reducing the number of activities that strain your muscles and cause cramps is the easiest way to prevent them from happening. Additionally, you can:

• Make sure you stretch or warm up adequately before participating in sports and exercise. Failure to warm up might result in muscle strain and damage.
• Avoid working out shortly after a meal.
• Reduce the amount of caffeine-containing foods and beverages you consume, such as chocolate and coffee.
• Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking adequate liquids. Your body loses more water when physically active, so increase your fluids intake when you exercise.
• By consuming more milk, orange juice, and bananas, you can naturally increase your intake of calcium and potassium.
• Consult your physician about taking a vitamin supplement to make sure your body gets enough of them. 

Conclusion 

Although unpleasant, muscle cramps are typically short-lived and rarely harmful. While stretching and consuming enough water may help avoid cramps in the first place, self-care techniques like heat, massage, and stretching can help alleviate discomfort when these cramps finally occur. If the discomfort is unbearable, and cramps are recurring, consult with your healthcare provider. 

FAQs

Q1. What deficiency causes muscle cramps?

Ans. Deficiencies of calcium, potassium, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and B12 can affect muscle function, causing muscle cramps. 

Q2. What drink is good for muscle cramps?

Ans. You may have heard that pickle juice relieves muscle cramps. It contains potassium, which is necessary for healthy muscles and neurons. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claims made about pickle jar benefits, even if there's definitely no harm in giving it a try.

Q3. What vitamin helps stop muscle cramps?

Ans. Vitamin B, especially B6, helps relieve muscle cramps. 

Dr. Manoj Kumar Gudluru

MBBS, MS, MCh Ortho (Mumbai), FIJR (Chennai), FIAS (Europe-Spain)
CARE Hospitals Outpatient Centre, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

To Book an Appointment, call:

+91 406 810 6585