User:Dbachmann/sandbox and Cramp: Difference between pages
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{{two other uses|muscular pain|the band|the Cramps|the tool|Clamp (tool)}}
'''Cramps''' are unpleasant, often painful sensations caused by contraction or over shortening, usually of [[muscles]]. Cramps can be caused by cold or overexertion. Illness or poisoning can also cause cramps, particularly in the [[stomach]], which is referred to as [[colic]] if it fits particular characteristics. '''See also''' [[Delayed onset muscle soreness]].
==Causes and treatment==
{{unreferenced|date=March 2007}}
There are three basic causes of cramping. One is when you overflex the calf muscle. One is inadequate [[oxygenation]] of muscle, where excess lactic acid, produced by [[anaerobic respiration]], builds up and puts stress on the muscle. The other is lack of [[water]] or [[salt]]. Cramps from poor oxygenation can be improved by rapid deep breathing, as well as stretching the muscle. Cramps from lack of salt and water can be treated by stretching the muscle, and of course drinking water and increasing salt intake. Pounding on the muscle can increase soreness.
Athletes are at greatest risk for muscle cramps, as excessive exercise can produce poor oxygenation.
Muscle cramps can be treated by applying a soft massage on the cramped muscle, 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 than applying ice.
[[Electrolyte]] disturbance may cause cramping and [[tetany]] of muscles, particularly [[hypokalemia]] (a low level of [[potassium]]) and [[hypocalcemia]] (a low level of [[calcium in biology|calcium]]). This problem can be solved by drinking electrolyte enhanced fluids, after strenuous muscle activity, and supplementing one's daily diet with a multi-vitamin, which contains potassium and calcium.
Muscle cramps may be a symptom of [[hypothyroidism]].
Eating foods high in [[potassium]], such as [[Banana|bananas]], [[Potato|potatoes]], and [[Prune (fruit)|prunes]], can help prevent muscle cramps.<ref name="test1">[http://extension.osu.edu/~news/story.php?id=2470 Ohio State University Extension: News] Chow Line: Potassium-rich foods deter muscle cramps</ref>
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==Menstruation==
{{Main|Dysmenorrhea}}
[[Menstrual cycle|Menstruation]] is also highly likely to cause cramps of varying severity in the [[abdomen]] that may radiate to the lower back and thighs. Menstrual cramps can be treated with [[ibuprofen]], stretching exercises or the application of heat through such means as warm baths or heating pads. Menstrual cramps that do not respond to self-treatment can be a symptom of [[endometriosis]] or other health problems. This kind of cramp cannot occur in male humans.
==Nocturnal leg cramps==
[[Nocturnal]] leg cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that occur in the [[Calf_muscle|calves]], [[soles]] of the [[feet]] or other muscles in the body during the night or (less commonly) while resting. The duration of nocturnal leg cramps is highly variable with cramps sometimes only lasting a few seconds and other times several minutes. Soreness in the muscles may remain for some time after the cramp ends. These cramps are more common in older populations but may happen to anyone. They can happen quite frequently in teenagers and in some cases while exercising at night. Nocturnal leg cramps can be very painful especially if dehydrated.
The precise cause of these cramps is unclear. Potential contributing factors are believed to include low levels of certain minerals ([[magnesium]], [[potassium]], [[calcium ]] and [[sodium]]), [[dehydration]] and prolonged sitting. Less common causes include more serious conditions or use of drugs.
People report that quickly standing up and walking a few steps may shorten the duration of a cramp.
An unrelated condition is [[restless legs syndrome]], an unpleasant sensation that is relieved by moving the leg, but which rarely includes cramping or pain.
==Smooth muscle==
[[Smooth muscle]] contractions lie at the heart of the cramping (or colicky) pain of internal organs. These include the [[intestine]], [[uterus]], ureter (in [[kidney stone]] pain) and various others.
==Skeletal muscle==
[[Skeletal muscle]]s are muscles that can be voluntarily controlled. Of the skeletal muscles, those which cramp the most often are the [[Calf_muscle|calves]], [[thighs]], and [[arches of the foot]].
==See also==
*[[Trigger points]]
*[[Side Stitch]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
* [http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/what-are-cramps.shtml What are Cramps?]
* [http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40000075 Cramps at Patient UK]
* [http://www.digitalnaturopath.com/cond/C466089.html Leg cramps at night]
[[Category:Medical signs]]
[[Category:Muscular system]]
[[ar:الشد العضلي]]
[[de:Krampf]]
[[es:Calambre]]
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[[pt:Cãibra]]
[[ru:Судорога]]
[[fi:Kramppi]]
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[[vi:Chuột rút]]
[[zh:抽搐]]
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