MUSCLE CRAMPS |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Painful involuntary contractions of muscles in swimmers and others caused by abnormalities of the nervous system or exercise-related changes in muscle-cell chemistry.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMSPainful, involuntary contraction of muscles, usually in the legs. Swimming more than other sports causes leg cramps in athletes during exercise.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Vigorous physical activity.
Inadequate warm-up before engaging in strenuous physical activity.
Calcium deficiency.
Nerve disorders, such as pressure on nerve roots near the spinal cord, or abnormalities of nerve fibers after they leave the spinal cord.
Enzyme deficiency (temporary).
Diabetes, alcoholism, chronic kidney disease, a variety of medications, hardening of the arteries, Buerger's disease (See Glossary), all of which can cause damage to peripheral nerves and thereby cause muscle cramps.
In swimmers, the cause of leg cramps is frequently unknown, and their presence does not suggest an underlying disorder.
HOW TO PREVENT
Undertake a slow, thorough conditioning program prior to beginning vigorous physical activity, including swimming.
Consult your doctor if you take any medicine and develop cramps. Discontinuing or modifying the dosage may prevent recurrent cramps.
If you have an enzyme deficiency, there is no treatment except to reduce sports activities below the level that produces cramps.
Don't smoke. Avoid polluted air while exercising. Both may decrease oxygen flow to muscles. Oxygen is needed in the muscles to avoid cramps.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms and signs.
Medical history and exam by a doctor.
Blood studies (sometimes) to measure enzyme levels.
SURGERYNone useful nor necessary for this disorder.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSCan be controlled by treating any underlying medical disorder, using medication (carbamazepine) and undertaking a better conditioning program.
COMPLICATIONS
Permanent muscle contractures (rare).
Permanently weakened muscle groups (rare).
Fear of recurrence, resulting in unwarranted abandonment of the exercise program.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTPhysical therapy including warm soaks, applications of ice or heat, whirlpool, or gentle massage may help with residual pain and soreness in cramped muscles.
HOME TREATMENT
Stretch and rub the cramping muscles.
Voluntarily contract the muscles that directly oppose those that are cramping. For example, if cramps affect the calf of the leg, force the front of the foot upward toward the knee and hold it until the cramp is diminished.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe the following medications:
Carbamazepine for muscle cramps due to nerve damage.
Aspirin or acetaminophen for pain following a muscle cramp.
ACTIVITYDecrease or discontinue vigorous physical activity until muscle cramp relaxes.
DIET
If you have frequent muscle cramps from any cause, eat foods high in potassium, such as dried apricots, whole-grain cereal (hot or cold), dried lentils, dried peaches, bananas, peanuts, citrus fruits or fresh vegetables.
Following a diet high in complex carbohydrates makes good nutritional sense to all those hoping to maintain or reach a good level of health and fitness. However, do not eat such a meal within 3 to 5 hours before competition, and eat only lightly directly afterwards.
Make sure you have sufficient calcium in your diet through the use of dairy products or calcium supplements.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have persistent or recurrent muscle cramps despite following the suggestions above.
You develop new symptoms after starting any prescribed medicine. All effective medicines have potentially undesirable side effects. These can frequently be controlled by modifying the dosage.
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