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| Cramp Classification and external resources |
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| ICD-10 | R25.2 |
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| ICD-9 | 729.82 |
| DiseasesDB | 3151 |
| MedlinePlus | 003193 |
| MeSH | D009120 |
Cramps, sometimes called Charley horses, are unpleasant, often painful, sensations caused by contraction or over shortening of muscles. Cramps can be caused by cold, overexertion or low calcium level in blood (especially for adolescents where they need calcium for both blood and bone maturing). Illness or poisoning can also cause cramps, particularly in the stomach, which is referred to as colic if it fits particular characteristics.
Causes
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There are six basic causes of cramping:[1] hyperflexion; inadequate oxygenation; exposure to large changes in temperature; dehydration; low blood salt; or low blood calcium. Muscle cramps may also be a symptom/complication of pregnancy, kidney disease, thyroid disease, hypokalemia or hypocalcemia (as conditions), restless legs syndrome, varicose veins[2], and multiple sclerosis.[3]
Treatment
Muscle cramps can be treated by applying a soft massage on the cramped muscle, stretching your hands up above you and breathing in deeply through the mouth, stretching the muscle and applying heat or cold. Heat improves superficial blood circulation and makes muscles more flexible, so some people find that heat is more soothing for muscle cramps. Application of excessive heat or cold to sore muscles may bring on cramps. Pounding on a cramped muscle can increase soreness.
- In the case of inadequate oxygenation, excess lactic acid, produced by anaerobic respiration, builds up and stresses the muscle. In addition to the methods described above, cramps from poor oxygenation can be improved by rapid deep breathing.
- Cramps from lack of water and/or salt can be treated by drinking water and/or increasing salt intake, respectively.
There is no scientific evidence to support the widely held claim by the sports nutrition industry that intake of specially composed electrolyte drinks has any advantage over intake of plain table salt (via drink or food) and water to counter these electrolyte disturbances and muscle cramps in people with a well-functioning renal system.
Eating foods high in potassium can help prevent muscle cramps.[4]
In the case of cramps caused by varicose veins, treatment of the affected veins with sclerotherapy, endovenous laser or surgery usually provides relief.
