What is muscle cramps?

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Muscle cramp

A muscle cramp is a sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more of your muscles. Muscle cramps can result in intense pain and leave you temporarily unable to use the affected muscles.

Muscle Cramps

As we normally use our muscles, they alternately contract and relax as we move our limbs back and forth. Similarly, the muscles that maintain our posture contract and relax in a synchronized fashion. A muscle that involuntarily contracts without our consciously willing it is called a "spasm." If the spasm is forceful and sustained, it becomes a cramp. A muscle cramp is an involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. Muscle cramps cause a visible or palpable hardening of the involved muscle.

Charley Horse

Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions or spasms in one or more of your muscles. They often occur after exercise or at night, lasting a few seconds to several minutes. You have probably had a muscle cramp before. It is a very common muscle problem. Muscle cramps can be caused by nerves that malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction is due to a health problem, such as a spinal cord injury or a pinched nerve in the neck or back. Other causes are

Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramping in different parts of the body is commonly caused by a calcium and magnesium imbalance and/or a vitamin E deficiency. Anemia, arthritis, and even arteriosclerosis may result in cramping. Most muscle cramps occur at night when resting and affect the legs, especially the calf muscles, and the feet. These kinds of cramps occur more frequently in the elderly, the young, and persons with arteriosclerosis. The use of diuretic drugs for high blood pressure or heart disorders may also be the cause of muscle cramping. If taking one of these drugs, be sure to add potassium. Poor circulation contributes to leg cramps. See the doctor if you have cramps during the day while active. This may be a sign of impaired circulation.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver as a result of long-term, continuous damage to the liver.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis (si-RO-sis) is a chronic (long term) condition where normal, healthy liver cells are damaged. The liver cells harden and die causing the liver to shrink and scar, not work well. Cirrhosis often starts slowly and you may not even know that you have the condition. You may end up with the liver totally failing if cirrhosis is not diagnosed and treated early. This may lead to coma and even death.

Muscle Cramps Causes, Cramping Prevention and Treatment ...

Mar 16, 2011 ... A muscle cramp is an involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. When we use the muscles that can be controlled ...

Cramp - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Common causes of skeletal muscle cramps include muscle fatigue, low sodium, ... Smooth muscle cramps may be due to menstruation or gastroenteritis. ...

Muscle Spasms and Cramps - What Causes Muscle Spasms and Cramps

A muscle spasms or cramp is an involuntary and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax.

Muscle Cramp - Your Orthopaedic Connection - AAOS

Just about everyone will experience a muscle cramp sometime in life. It can happen while you play tennis or golf, bowl, swim, or do any exercise. ...