How to Relieve Muscle Cramps
Channel: Professional Supplement Center
Date: 22/07/2015

Ever wondered why you get muscle cramps and how to relieve them? Watch this short video and learn!

You can also learn more here: http://blog.professionalsupplementcenter.com/about-those-muscle-cramps/
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_cramps
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_fatigue

At some point in time, just about everyone has experienced the short lived, but excruciating, pain of a muscle cramp. Although science has yet to determine an exact cause, underlying medical conditions, dehydration, overexertion, muscle fatigue and electrolyte imbalances are believed to be contributing factors.  An occasional Charley horse is common but frequent recurring muscle spasms may require a medical diagnosis.  As with other health concerns, prevention measures may be the best approach for reducing the chances of developing cramps and muscle spasms.

·      Physical exertion - Strenuous activity, failure to adequately warm up before exercising, and overworked, fatigued muscles can frequently result in cramping, sometimes many hours later.  To help prevent regular occurrence of spasms, exercise while well hydrated at a proper level for you and, when temperatures are high, consider avoiding outdoor exercise.   

·      Dehydration - Excessive fluid loss from perspiration during sports or vigorous exercise increases the likelihood of developing cramps.  Sodium loss as a result of excessive sweating and insufficient, irregular fluid intake are likely causes of dehydration.  

·      Medications -  Many medications, including those designed to control blood pressure, lower cholesterol or treat Parkinson's disease, can also contribute to cramping.  Diuretics may induce cramping by depleting body fluids along with sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

 

·      Low blood levels of calcium and magnesium - Cramping often occurs when calcium and magnesium levels, critical to muscle function, are inadequate.  Commonly found in pregnant women and older adults, calcium and magnesium deficiencies, whether caused by inadequate intake, medications, morning sickness, or poor absorption due to vitamin D deficiency, can directly impact the excitability of nerve endings in the muscles they help stimulate.  

·      Low potassium - Low potassium levels are commonly associated with muscle weakness but may cause cramping as well.  Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate nerve and muscle function, hydration, blood pH and blood pressure.  Imbalanced electrolytes can lead to either muscle weakness or severe muscle contractions.  

·      Nocturnal night cramps - Staying in one position, where a muscle is contracted for an extended period of time, is often cited as a cause of spasms that occur while resting.  Daily stretching, adequate hydration and keeping bed linens unrestrictive may help to prevent night time cramps.  

To reduce the risk of developing muscle spasms and cramps, stay well hydrated before, during and after exercise.  Increase your flexibility by warming up and stretching properly before and after physical activity and remember to work out in accordance with your own fitness level.  Routine daily stretching of the calf, the quadriceps and the hamstring muscles may help minimize cramping.  Eat a well balanced and nutritious diet, address electrolyte imbalances and make sure you are getting adequate amounts of all essential vitamins and minerals daily.