Muscle Cramps Summary

Muscle cramps are painful, a great nuisance but they are a benign condition.  (see what are muscle cramps).  Their importance is linked to the discomfort and inconvience they cause.  Their exact cause is unknown, (see what causes muscle cramps) although they are more likely to occur as we get older and  some people are predisposed to getting them.

The following contribute to muscle cramps

  1. Muscle fatigue
  2. Anything that impairs circulation
  3. Nutritional factors (see contributing factors & more contributing factors)
  4. Pregnancy (see muscle cramps in pregnancy)

Their is no medication that can be taken to prevent muscle cramps or though some medication e.g. statins may contribute.  If you are taking statins and have reocurring muscle cramps please talk to your GP.

They are preventable (see how to prevent muscle cramps) by stretching and massage.  To book a massage click here.

 

Related Posts

  • Muscle cramps during Pregnancy

    Previously I have looked at nutritional factors that contribute to muscle cramps, now I want to move on to lifestyle factors. Pregnancy Leg cramps may start to plague you during your second trimester and may get worse as your pregnancy progresses and your belly gets bigger. While these cramps can occur during the day, you'll probably notice them most at night, when they can interfere with your ability to get a good night's sleep.  You may want to see a nutritionalist to determine if you are short of calcium and magnesium as inadequate levels of both of these minerals have been associated with muscle cramps during pregnancy.  You may also want to  

    • Avoid standing or sitting with your legs crossed for long periods of time.
    • Stretch your calf muscles regularly during the day and several times before you go to bed.
    • Rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes when you sit, eat dinner, or watch TV.
    • Lie down on your left side to improve circulation to and from your legs.
      It is safe to have massage from the 12 week of pregnancy, and in our clinic we have sucessfully eased the pain of pregnancy related muscle cramps.

  • Lets talk about tension headaches

    We all get headaches from time to time.  Tension headaches are characterised by

    • Dull, aching head pain.
    • Sensation of tightness or pressure across your forehead or on the sides and back of your head.
    • Tenderness on your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles.
    Tension headaches are the most common form of headaches and can last anywhere between 30 minutes to a week.  If they occurr more than 15 days in a month for 3 months you have chronic tension headaches. People are more susceptible to tension headaches when they have
    • their period (women only)
    • under pressure or stress
    • poor posture
    I know that peole find tension headaches are annoying and sometimes headache tablets either don't work or work initially and then less helpful.  Here in clinic we find that deep tissue massage on the couch allows us to identify which muscles in the neck, shoulders, upper back and chest are tight and release them.  We frequently find this either release the tension headache or at least lessens it.  If you are prone to tension headaches, then a series of massages may assist especially if you have poor posture, under pressure or highly stressed.

  • Introduction to Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

    Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) also called muscle fever, is the pain and stiffness everyone is familiar with after strenuous exercises.  It is noticeable worse 24 to 72 hours after exercise and it can occur anywhere in the body. However it is more memorable when it affects the lower body i.e. the legs, due to it being so inhibiting. For a long time the cause of DOMS was thought to be the build up of lactic acid and toxic metabolic waste in the muscles.  However this theory has now been thoroughly rejected.  While the cause of DOMS is not well understood, the current consensus is that DOMS is a result of inflammation triggered by microscopic tears in connective tissues that sensitise nociceptors and heighten pain. The pain of DOMS and the sever soreness may decrease capacity to perform in subsequent workouts.     In addition to physical symptoms for some people it can decrease motivation to exercise.   So is the pain worth the gain?   The short answer is no.  DOMS doesn't mean you will build more muscle although it may enhance it a little. References Brad J Schoenfeld, 2010, The mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy & their application to resistance training, Journal of Strengthening & Conditioning Research, vol 24, (10)