Introduction
A muscle cramp is a sudden, involuntary contraction of one or more of your muscles. If you’ve ever been awakened in the night by a cramp in your calf or had your hand seized up after writing for too long, you know how painful muscle cramps can be. Muscle cramps can affect any muscle in your body, but they most commonly occur in your legs and feet. While muscle cramps are usually harmless and resolve on their own, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Almost every athlete experienced extremely unpleasant sensations in the muscles – cramps. Sudden pain causes fear and often disrupts training plans. This can be both a symptom of diseases and a common reaction to muscle strain.
What happens to a muscle when it is contracted?
In order not to panic during a cramp, you need to understand what is happening with the muscle.
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Muscle cramps are a phenomenon that is quite common in cyclic sports (running, football, triathlon). Fitness is no exception. This is an involuntary muscle contraction that can be accompanied by uncomfortable or even painful sensations. Seizures can last from a few seconds to 15-20 minutes. Most often they occur during training or competition, but sometimes they are encountered even in a dream.
What causes seizures?
If you often experience seizures, you need to understand why this is happening.
Usually cramps are caused by severe fatigue or disruption of impulses that regulate muscle contraction and relaxation. They can also occur against the background of a violation of the water-salt balance – insufficient fluid intake or lack of nutrients in the diet.
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Keep in mind that there can be several causes of seizures.
How to reduce the likelihood of seizures?
To reduce the chance of you cramping your next workout, a fitness trainer recommends doing the following:
– adequately distribute and gradually increase the load, do a warm-up, including pre-stretching;
– allow time for recovery between workouts, do a hitch after a workout;
– stretching, massage, self-massage with the help of a roll will only be a plus;
– enough sleep;
– Eat a balanced diet – this will provide the body with the necessary macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates;
– drink enough fluids.
Also, some studies have found a positive effect against cramps in cherry juice, raspberries and caffeine.
What to do during a seizure?
If a cramp still overtook you during a workout, do not panic. Stop the exercise immediately. You should not continue through pain – this can result in serious injuries.
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Conclusion
There are many potential causes of muscle cramps, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and overuse. Treatment for muscle cramps generally includes stretching the affected muscle and massaging it. In some cases, heat or ice may also be helpful. If muscle cramps are severe or persistent, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. There are many potential causes of muscle cramps, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and overuse. Treatment for muscle cramps generally includes stretching the affected muscle and massaging it. In some cases, heat or ice may also be helpful. If muscle cramps are severe or persistent, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Muscle cramps can be extremely painful and disruptive. While there are many potential causes, most can be treated at home with simple measures like stretching and massaging the affected muscle. In some cases, heat or ice may also be helpful. If muscle cramps are severe or persistent, however, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.