What are muscle cramps?
A muscle cramp is an involuntary and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. A muscle that involuntarily contracts can also be called a spasm. If the spasm is forceful and sustained, it becomes a cramp. Muscle cramps often cause a visible hardening of the involved muscle.
True Cramps: Caused by hyperexcitability of the nerves that stimulates the muscle. They are the most common type of skeletal muscle cramps.
• Vigorous activity: Associated with the overuse of the muscle and it fatigues. Older adults are at risk for cramps when performing vigorous physical activities.
• Rest cramps: Very common in older adults. Occur often at night and can be painful and recur often. The cause of night cramps is still unknown.
• Dehydration: Vigorous physical activity can dehydrate the body because of the loss of fluid through perspiration which increases the likelihood of muscle cramping. These cramps are more likely to occur in hot weather and are a sign of heat stroke.
How to Prevent Cramps!
• Stretching before and after activity
• Adequate warm up and cool down
• Good hydration before, during and after vigorous activity
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