3 weeks Ago By Katrina Turrill
MOST of us will experience the torture of muscle cramps at some point in our lives.Whether it’s during or after exercise or in the middle of the night, their sudden, intense nature can leave you doubled over in pain.GettyMuscle cramps can sometimes be a sign of more serious conditions, like thyroid problems or kidney disease[/caption]Dr Lewis RaimanIf muscle cramps persist or appear unusual, it could be an early symptom of a medical condition, warned Dr Lewis Raiman[/caption]But what if your muscle cramps could be signalling something more serious? Understanding what causes them, particularly if they’re a regular occurrence, can help you seek the appropriate treatment – or potentially prevent more serious health complications.
Dr Mohamed Najjar, of Jorja Healthcare Group, said one of the most common causes of muscle cramps is straining or overusing a muscle, often during exercise.He explained: “Muscle cramps most commonly affect the legs, typically in the calves, hamstrings, or quadriceps.“If this is the cause, stretching the muscles and staying hydrated are some of the best ways to treat the muscle cramps.
“Applying heat or ice can also help, as can pain relief if the problem persists.” A number of other potential causes, says Dr Najjar, are the compression of nerves from a spinal injury or pinched nerve in the neck, as well as dehydration or low levels of electrolytes.“Certain medication and pregnancy can also cause muscle cramps,” he added.
Muscle cramps, especially at night, are often the result of tired or overworked muscles, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or nerve problems. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, Doctify-rated sport and exercise medicine doctor Dr Lewis Raiman said night-time calf cramps are particularly common in older adults, but aren’t usually a sign of anything serious. Dr Raiman said: “The most effective treatment is gentle stretching of the affected muscle, especially when performed at the time of the cramp.
“Daily passive stretching, particularly of the calf muscles before bedtime, can reduce the frequency and intensity of night-time cramps.”But if muscle cramps persist or appear unusual, it could be an early symptom of a medical condition, warned Dr Raiman. GettyIf numbness and tingling accompanies muscle cramps, it could be the sign of a medical condition, like diabetes[/caption]If this is the case, he said you should also look out for the following six signs:Muscle weaknessNumbness or tinglingConstant fatigueUnexplained weight changesExcessive thirstNeeding to pee more than usualDr Raiman advised: “These symptoms may point to conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, kidney disease, or neurological disorders and should be checked by a doctor.
”Most muscle cramps will only last a few seconds, or minutes at the very most. But if they become frequent, prolonged, or very painful, they warrant further evaluation.Dr Najjar recommended: “You should see your GP if your cramps are disturbing your sleep or daily life, if you also have numbness or swelling in your legs, or if the cramping lasts for more than ten minutes.
”How to relieve muscle cramps Stretching and massage: Gently stretch the cramped muscle by flexing it in the opposite direction and holding the stretch. Massage the area to help relax the muscle and reduce the spasm. Heat or cold: Apply heat (like a warm towel or shower) or cold (like an ice pack) to the affected area.
Heat may help relax the muscle, while cold can reduce inflammation and pain. Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you’re dehydrated, as this can help prevent and reduce muscle cramps. Electrolyte replenishment: Consider drinks or foods rich in electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, and magnesium) to help restore fluid balance and prevent muscle cramps.
Activity modification: If the cramp was triggered by exercise, stop or reduce the activity and allow the muscle to rest. Over-the-counter pain relievers: If pain persists after the cramp has subsided, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with soreness..
