You must have been jarred out at least once in your lifetime by some terribly dreadful pain in the calf of your legs. It happens uncontrollably and disturbs whatever you’ve been doing at that particular time. The pain goes horribly wrong, and almost everyone must have been a victim to the same. There aren’t any warning signals, and you feel some involuntary contractions in the muscles. A Muscle Cramp is what we call it.
There’s not just one particular reason to why our muscles start to cramp. But they can cause a lot of distress and do not relax that soon. So, why do these happen? Here are some of the culprits.
#1. Dehydration
When you are dehydrated, it certainly creates an imbalance affecting the entire body. Therefore, dehydration along with the depletion of the essential minerals and vitamins from the body increases your risks of cramping. Hence, water is an essential fluid for your body to maintain excellent metabolism and muscle health.
(Image Courtesy: Oregon Sports News)
#2. Deficiencies
Lower levels of potassium, calcium, and magnesium associated with muscle cramps. If potassium and sodium deficiencies are mainly involved, then keep a check on them. These two are responsible for producing muscle contractions. Vitamin B1, B5 and B6 deficiency also cause cramps.
(Image Courtesy: Daily Health Post)
Any imbalance between these elements can easily disrupt the way muscle tissues relax and/or contract.
#3. Medical Conditions
You are at a higher level of risk in case you have illnesses like diabetes, pregnancy, kidney or liver disorders and/or spinal nerve compression.
Certain medications used for lowering your cholesterol levels, birth control pills, steroids, diuretics or antipsychotics can also cause muscle cramps.
(Image Courtesy: Mirror)
#4. External Triggers
For instance, after a rigorous and sweaty workout, you expose the body (or legs and thighs in particular) to a breeze of cold air. This sets up an imbalance in the system and makes the situation quite problematic.
Exposure to colder temperatures or even cold water can be one reason for cramps to occur.
(Image Courtesy: Bloglovin)
#5. Inadequate Blood Supply
A lack of healthy blood circulation to several parts of the body commonly manifests a fatal cramp. When the needed oxygen isn't properly carried to the muscles, it diminishes their strength and worsens the condition.
(Image Courtesy: Healthline)
#6. Improper Usage Of Muscles
Think of it in this way, when you have weaker buttock muscles, the other muscles have to pick up the inefficiency. Not giving all your muscles the required functioning weakens them and loads the other muscles ultimately causing cramps.
(Image courtesy: MyProtien)
Even if you are chronically overusing one particular muscle and the rest are kept unutilised, then it creates an imbalance.
#7. Aging
Age is also an important aspect when it comes to muscle cramps. Usually, older people suffer from such cramps due to weakening muscles. They lose the muscle mass which leads to overstressing of the remaining muscles.
(Image Courtesy: Not So Fast)
When should you see a doctor?
A muscle cramp is usually a temporary nuisance. It typically resolves in a few minutes without any treatment. But, in case the pain persists for more than a couple of days. Or it causes any difficulty in your day to day tasks, and cramps keep reoccurring then it’s time for you to seek medical attention. Get in touch with an experienced practitioner and discuss the problem to avoid further suffering.
(Image Courtesy: The Chronicle Herald)
Muscle cramps are a result of improper diet and careless functioning of the body. Stretch and massage your tired muscles. Try placing an ice pack or a heating pad for some relief. Increase your fluid intake and visit the doctor in case or emergencies. Share your experiences and opinions with us in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you!
(Featured Image Courtesy: Huffington Post)
11 Opinions
106 Opinions
Share
