For example, a person may experience painful cramps of certain skeletal muscles if he or she exercises too hard or for a long time. No one knows exactly why such cramps occur. They probably result from having too much or too little salt in the fluids surrounding muscle fibers. With proper rest and nutrition, the body can correct the problem, and cramping stops. Cramps also may develop in smooth muscle organs, such as the stomach and intestine.
Doctors use heat, massage, and medicines in treating cramps.
Hard muscular work also may cause skeletal muscles to become sore. In severe cases, the soreness may last up to four days. The cause of muscle soreness is not completely understood, but it probably involves damage to muscle and connective tissue. With proper exercise, the muscles and body can adapt to strenuous muscle work and greatly reduce the risk of tissue damage. Numerous diseases affect skeletal muscles.