Cramp
A cramp is a muscle that tightens suddenly and will not relax. It causes a sharp pain that can make the limb hard to move, and it usually lasts from a few seconds to about ten minutes. Most cramps are harmless and settle on their own, but they can be very painful while they last.
What is a cramp?
A cramp happens when a muscle contracts hard and does not let go. The muscle feels tight and hard to touch, and the pain can be sharp enough that you cannot move the limb normally. A few patterns are typical:
- Cramps most often affect the calf, and the muscles of the foot. The thigh is less often involved.
- They can come at any time, but most people get them at night or while resting.
- After the cramp passes, the muscle can stay sore for up to 24 hours.
Why do cramps happen?
Often there is no clear reason at all. When a cause is found, it is usually one of a few things:
- Muscles that are worked hard during exercise can cramp, and this is worse in hot or humid weather.
- Not drinking enough fluid is another trigger.
- Cramps are also more common as people get older, and in the later stages of pregnancy.
- Some medicines can cause them, including water pills and cholesterol medicines such as statins.
- Liver disease from long term alcohol use is another cause.
When does a cramp need medical attention?
Most do not. See a doctor in three situations:
- The cramps are disturbing your sleep.
- You also have numbness or swelling in the leg.
- A cramp lasts longer than ten minutes.
Numbness and swelling matter because they point away from the muscle itself and towards the nerves or the circulation. Those three are the reasons to have it looked at.
What helps during a cramp?
Most cramps go away on their own without you doing anything. While one is happening:
- Stretching and massaging the muscle can ease the pain.
- Standing up and putting your weight on the leg with the cramp may also help.
Painkillers are not much use during the cramp itself, because they take too long to work. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with the soreness afterwards.
How can cramps be prevented?
Regular calf stretching is the main thing you can do yourself. It may reduce how often cramps happen, although it does not always stop them completely.
Stand facing a wall and stretch your arms out until your hands can just touch it. Keep both feet flat and stand up straight. Then:
- Lean forward, pressing your hands against the wall, until you feel the calf stretch.
- Hold for two or three seconds.
- Stand up straight again, and repeat.
A few minutes, three times a day, with the last session just before bed, is the usual routine. If the cramps settle, once or twice a day may be enough.
Two of the causes above are things you can act on, which are not drinking enough fluid and straining the muscles in hot or humid weather.
Where to get assessed
Cramps that keep coming back, or that come with numbness or swelling, can be assessed at IIUM Sports Medicine Clinic (ISMEC) in Kuantan. The assessment looks for the cause rather than treating the cramp itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cramps dangerous?
Most are not. They are common, usually harmless, and settle within minutes. Cramps need medical attention if they disturb your sleep, last longer than ten minutes, or come with numbness or swelling in the leg.
Should I take a painkiller for a cramp?
Not during the cramp, because they take too long to work. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with the soreness that lasts after a cramp has passed.
Can cramps be stopped completely?
Regular stretching may reduce how often they happen, but it does not always stop them. If cramps keep returning, the cause is worth looking for.
Medical disclaimer: this article is general information, not personal medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor about your own situation.