what is a muscle cramp, and what causes it?

Answer 1

I put Viagra in my pocket once and my leg muscles got stiff.

Answer 2

A person that experiences painful cramps of skeletal muscles if they exercise too hard or for a long period of time, experiencing involve spastic, i.e. sudden and violent muscle contractions is usually the result of too little salt in the fluids surrounding muscle fibers.

Athletes often develop cramps in the muscles they use most strenuously, like runners develop cramps in their legs. Doctor's treat cramps with heat and massage, and give medicines to relieve pain.

Answer 3

What are muscle cramps?

When we use the muscles that can voluntarily be controlled, such as those of our arms and legs, they alternately contract and relax as we move our limbs. Muscles that support our head, neck, and trunk contract similarly in a synchronized fashion to maintain our posture. A muscle (or even a few fibers of a muscle) that involuntarily (without consciously willing it) contracts is called a "spasm." If the spasm is forceful and sustained, it becomes a cramp. A muscle cramp is thus defined as an involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax.

Muscle cramps can last anywhere from a few seconds to a quarter of an hour, and occasionally longer. It is not uncommon for a cramp to recur multiple times until it finally goes away. The cramp may involve a part of a muscle, the entire muscle, or several muscles that usually act together, such as those that flex adjacent fingers. Some cramps involve the simultaneous contraction of muscles that ordinarily move body parts in opposite directions.

Cramps are extremely common. Almost everyone (one estimate is about 95%) experiences a cramp at some time in their life. Cramps are common in adults and become increasingly frequent with aging. However, children also experience cramps.

Any of the muscles that are under our voluntary control (skeletal muscles) can cramp. Cramps of the extremities, especially the legs and feet, and most particularly the calf (the classic "charley horse"), are very common. Involuntary muscles of the various organs (uterus, blood vessel wall, intestinal tract, bile and urine passages, bronchial tree, etc.) are also subject to cramps. Cramps of the involuntary muscles will not be further considered in this review. This article focuses on cramps of skeletal muscle.

Can medications cause muscle cramps?

Numerous medicines can cause cramps. Potent diuretic medications, such as furosemide (Lasix), or the vigorous removal of body fluids even with less potent diuretics can induce cramps by depleting body fluid and sodium. Simultaneously, diuretics often cause the loss of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which can also cause cramps.

Can vitamin deficiencies cause muscle cramps?

Several vitamin deficiency states may directly or indirectly lead to muscle cramps. These include deficiencies of thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6). The role of deficiency of these vitamins in causing cramps is unknown.

Can poor circulation cause muscle cramps?

Poor circulation to the legs, which results in inadequate oxygen to the muscle tissue, can cause severe pain in the muscle. This commonly occurs in the calf muscles. While the pain feels virtually identical to that of a severely cramped muscle, the pain does not seem to be a result of the actual muscle cramping. This pain may be due to accumulation of lactic acid and other chemicals in the muscle tissues.

Answer 4

Muscle cramps are involuntary and often painful contractions (movements) of the muscles.
The causes are as follows:
Muscle fatigue
Heavy exercise
Dehydration
Pregnancy
Hypothyroidism
Reduced levels of magnesium or calcium in the body
Other metabolic problems
Alcoholism
Kidney failure
Medications

Answer 5

muscle cramp is cause when the muscle doesnt get enough of oxygen and it causes a cramp... the way to fix that is to concentrate on your breathing whenever you are running or if ya working hard going from one place to another..... also stop and keep breathing in until the pain goes...

Answer 6

cramp in the muscle and lack of salt is sometimes the cause

Answer 7

muscle cramp is when ur muscles are tightening up. try to stretch that particular muscle and it should help ease the pain or cramp