Prevent cramps

General

Cramps represent an involuntary, large muscular tension of one or more muscles, which is often associated with pain in the affected area. The duration and intensity of the cramp can vary greatly from person to person. Usually only individual muscles are affected and the cramp usually subsides after a few seconds or minutes. A cramp that affects the entire body is also called a seizure, which is associated with epilepsy. The cramps of individual muscles can have different causes. Usually a shift in electrolytes or an overload of individual muscles is responsible for the unwanted tension. As a rule, cramps in individual muscles are to be regarded as harmless. The cause should still be discussed so that the recurrence of the cramps can be prevented if necessary.

Cause of cramps

In order to be able to effectively prevent cramps, it is particularly helpful to know the causes.

The cause for the onset of muscle spasms often lies in a disturbed Electrolyte and fluid balance. So it comes from tensing the muscles such as during sports to increased sweating and one with it accompanying fluid loss. Go along with the sweat too Minerals lost, which are necessary for correct muscle function. Especially the one for the muscles essential mineral magnesium It is worth mentioning here.

Symptoms

Cramps are unwanted, strong tension in one or more muscles. The cramps are usually accompanied by pain, which can be very severe. The cramps occur frequently in sporting activities on or at rest, for example at night. The symptoms described can help the attending physician to find the individual reason for the occurrence of the cramps. An epileptic seizure should be considered in the case of convulsions that occur uncontrollably all over the body and at the same time.

therapy

The therapy for muscle spasms depends on the individual Reasons for the development of cramps. First of all should be discussed if a Dehydration or Electrolyte deficiency could be the reason for the cramps that occurred. Sports activities should also be included in the anamnesis. As the appearance of cramps the at individual muscles occur and after short time disappear mostly harmless is, should first of all be a Behavior change and the use of electrolytes as a therapeutic approach to get voted. Physically strenuous sports should be for a couple of days avoided as well as a adequate hydration be respected. Since shortening of muscles can also lead to cramps stretching the affected muscles lead to an improvement in the symptoms. Additionally can Massages help briefly to loosen the muscles and to prevent the cramps from recurring for a short time.

Also read: Cramps despite magnesium

Soccer

At Soccer are mainly the muscles of the legs and the hip claimed. So it happens with this one sport increased to Cramps in the calf muscles such as to thigh cramps. Usually there is a mixture of heavy use and one disturbed electrolyte balance cause of the cramps that occur in football. For this reason, should cramps occur a supply of fluids and minerals must be ensured. Also stretching and loosening the muscles through exercises and massages can help to end the cramp in the short term and prevent it from recurring. If possible, a regeneration of the muscles should be aimed for so that they can recover until the next exercise and there is no danger of another cramp immediately.

marathon

The marathon represents a extremely heavy load on the leg and especially the calf muscles For this reason, cramps are an increasingly common problem in marathon runners. There are several things that can be done to prevent cramping that occurs in marathon runners. Most important is Sufficient training to prepare the muscles for the extreme loads. It applies during the marathon sufficient amounts of fluids and minerals as they can be consumed during the activity. Even before the marathon, the fluid and electrolyte balance should be in order. Also an adequate intake of carbohydrates should be ensured that every muscular activity also consumes energy which must be supplied to the body during the marathon.

Prevent cramps while exercising

Cramps are particularly common during sports in front. This connection can mainly be attributed to one Loss and consumption of fluids and minerals as well as a possible Stress on the muscles lead back. Overall this should be based on a sufficient supply of fluids and electrolytes be respected. The muscles should only be used as much as you currently do Training condition allowed. Also regular stretching of the muscles such as Massages can help prevent cramps.

Also read: Cramps despite magnesium

Prevent cramps while swimming

While swimming it is a sport which uses a number of different muscles in the body. So you can swim in as well cramps in many muscle groups occur. However, the cramps occur particularly frequently in the legs on. As with all other sports, when swimming you should ensure that the muscles are lightly stressed before starting the activity, i.e.: "Warmed up" was, as well as that the body's fluid and electrolyte balance is in order is. Shortened muscles can also be the cause of the cramps that occur, and this problem can be prevented by regular stretching.

Prevent cramps in the calf

Most frequently patients with recurrent convulsions complain of convulsions, which in the calf occur. This is due to the generally high stressed muscles in this area. So the muscles in the calf not only become used in certain sports, but also in everyday life. Even with simple ones Go the calf muscles are stressed the most. In addition, shortened calf muscles are very common. Cramps, which result from shortened muscles, usually occur at night on. Should so cramps in the calves at night or in peace can occur stretching the calf muscles help prevent cramps from occurring. When cramps of the calves during sport arise it is necessary to loosen the muscles and to control the fluid and electrolyte balance of the body. Especially sports like to jog, Soccer or Ball sports in which running plays a major role are predestined for the occurrence of cramps in the calves.

Also read: Cramps despite magnesium

Prevent cramps while running

While running Cramps occur especially in the more stressed Muscle groups of the legs on. Most of time is the Calf muscles affected. Especially then, if the Muscles shortened are or the Training condition not adequate the required performance can cause cramps reinforced occur. Since more fluid is lost in the form of sweating when running through exertion, attention should always be paid to the body enough liquid feed. At the same time should also the electrolyte balance in equilibrium be.

Cramps in the abdomen

For abdominal cramps, Also called spasms in the abdomen, it is usually one spasmodic tension of the digestive organs or other organs of the abdomen. In most cases it is harmless convulsions, whereby these should be clarified if they occur frequently. A critical consideration of the digestion should come first in the case of abdominal cramps as this is a common cause of cramps. At Food intolerance there are often uncomfortable abdominal cramps. Also at Infections and Diarrheal diseases abdominal cramps are very common. If the cramps occur with severe pain, a quick investigation should take place as the illness could be serious. A general recommendation for the prevention of abdominal cramps can therefore not be given. A balanced diet such as clarification in the event of complaints should be done in general.

Cramps in pregnancy

During pregnancy there are more cramps the at night or before falling asleep occur.
This can be done with in pregnancy altered hormones to explain. This is how the hormones take care of you during pregnancy changed electrolyte balance and it comes to one Lack of mineralswhich is noticeable by the occurrence of cramps.

For this reason, if cramps occur, pregnant women should also consider it Add minerals. Especially an increased need for magnesium is common in pregnant women.

If the cramps do not stop with the additional intake of minerals, a blood test with the attending physician can help to find out whether it is an electrolyte shift, lack of fluids or possibly another problem.

Please also read: Cramps despite magnesium - what can I do?

After a correct diagnosis, the doctor can quickly initiate therapy and thus effectively prevent the occurrence of cramps.