CRAMP

TYPES

Muscle cramps may have the following types:

• True cramps, which involve one or most muscles
• Injury cramps or those that result from vigorous activity
• Resting cramps
• Dehydration cramps
• Cramps from electrolyte imbalance
• Tetany, due to nerve activation
• Dystonic cramps

SYMPTOMS

Most cramps originate in the leg muscles, especially in the calf. Other than the sudden, sharp pain, you may feel or see a lump under your skin.

Cramps may vanish on their own and are not that serious to require medical intervention. You need to see a doctor if you experience the following issues:

• Severe pain
• Leg swelling
• Leg redness
• Skin changes
• Muscle weakness

DIAGNOSIS

If your symptoms are severe, your doctor will do a medical evaluation and a physical exam. Tests may be requested such as the following:

• Blood glucose
• Renal function tests
• Electrolytes, including calcium and magnesium
• Ionized calcium and ABGs
• Electromyography
• MRI of the brain and spinal cord

TREATMENT

You can treat cramps with home measures. Your doctor can demonstrate you what stretching exercises to do that can enable you to decrease muscle cramps. Adequate hydration can additionally help. For repetitive cramps that bother your resting and sleeping time, your doctor may recommend medicines to relax your muscles.

Here are some treatments that are usually given for cramps:

• Stretching and massage
• Hot or cold compress
• Vitamin B complex supplements