Harry Llewellyn and Cramp: Difference between pages

Revision as of 16:36, 7 October 2006

Revision as of 13:17, 29 June 2007

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{{two other uses|muscular pain|the band|the Cramps|the tool|Clamp (tool)}}

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{{MedalSport | [[Equestrianism|Equestrian]]}}

{{MedalGold| [[1952 Summer Olympics|Helsinki 1952]] | Jumping Team}}

{{MedalBronze| [[1948 Summer Olympics|London 1948]] | Jumping Team}}

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'''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]].

'''Sir Harry Morton Llewellyn''' (born [[July 18]], [[1911]] – [[November 15]], [[1999]]) was a British [[equestrianism|equestrian]] champion, who was born in [[Aberdare]], South [[Wales]], as the son of a colliery owner, Sir [[David Llewellyn (industrialist)|David Llewellyn]]. A younger son, he inherited the baronetcy of Bwllfa on the death of his brother in [[1978]].

==Causes and treatment==

Llewellyn was educated at [[Oundle School]] and at [[Trinity College, Cambridge]], before going into the army. He achieved some success as a show-jumping champion during the [[1930s]], and competed in the [[Grand National]] steeplechase, coming second in [[1936]].

{{unreferenced|date=March 2007}}

During [[World War II]] he served as a liaison officer to Field Marshal [[Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein|Montgomery]], eventually rising to the rank of colonel.

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.

In [[1952]] he secured a gold medal at the [[Helsinki]] Olympic Games for the British equestrian team, riding the legendary "[[Foxhunter]]". Foxhunter died in 1959. After Sir Harry's death, his ashes were scattered near Foxhunter's grave.

Athletes are at greatest risk for muscle cramps, as excessive exercise can produce poor oxygenation.

Sir Harry's sons, [[David Llewellyn, 4th Baronet of Bwllfa|Dai]] and [[Roddy Llewellyn|Roddy]], both became well-known media personalities.

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.

{{succession box | title=[[Llewellyn Baronets|Baronet]]<br>'''(of Bwllfa) | before=[[Sir Rhys Llewellyn, 2nd Baronet|Rhys Llewellyn]] | after=[[Sir David Llewellyn, 4th Baronet|Dai Llewellyn]] | years='''1978&ndash;1999}}

{{end box}}

[[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]].

==Reference==

* [http://www.databaseolympics.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=LLEWEHAR01 databaseOlympics.com]

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>

[[Category:1911 births|Llewellyn, Harry]]

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[[Category:1999 deaths|Llewellyn, Harry]]

[[Category:British equestrians|Llewellyn, Harry]]

==Menstruation==

[[Category:Olympic competitors for Great Britain|Llewellyn, Harry]]

{{Main|Dysmenorrhea}}

[[Category:Show jumping riders|Llewellyn, Harry]]

[[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]]

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