Muscle Cramps

Muscle Cramps is a sudden contraction of muscle that may feel extremely painful. Cramps are common among healthy people, especially during or after energetic exercise. Older age people will suffer more even just light exercise or during rest/sleep.

Cramps are caused by inadequate blood supply to the muscles. Cramp will mostly happen after eating, since most of blood is supply to the digestive system rather than muscles. Moreover, low blood level of electrolytes, such as potassium occasionally cause muscle cramps.

First Aid Treatment:

Cramps usually will relive on their own without treatment. Make sure always calm down and relax by having slow deep breathing through mouth.

To speed the healing process, we can:-

1. Gently stretch and massage the cramping muscle.

2. Apply an ice massage to the cramped muscle.

3. If leg cramps, fully straightening the leg and bending over and grabbing the end of the toes, the cramp will eventually relieve.

4. Application of muscle pain relief cream.

5. Drink beverages contain potassium, such as water with salt.

Preventions:-

• Do stretching and warm up before and after exercises.

• Do not smoking and consuming caffeine before.

• Consume foods and beverages high in potassium.

* Isotonic drink(100plus) helpful also.

References: M. H. Beers, A.J. Fletcher, T V. Jones, R. Porter, J. L. Kaplan. 2003. The Merck Manual of Medical Information 2th home edition. Merck & Co., Inc. http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/legpainandinjuries/a/muscle_spasms.htm