Contents:
- Medical Video: How to Stop Leg and Foot Cramps at Night - Why Do Legs Cramp at Night?
- What are the causes of sudden muscle cramps?
- What should I do when muscle cramps occur?
- Is muscle cramps dangerous? When do I have to see a doctor?
Medical Video: How to Stop Leg and Foot Cramps at Night - Why Do Legs Cramp at Night?
Have you ever felt sudden muscle cramps? Maybe you have experienced cramping when you move during the day or even in the middle of your sleep. Actually, what causes sudden muscle cramps? Is this dangerous?
What are the causes of sudden muscle cramps?
Muscle cramps are a normal condition and often occur in many people. This condition can occur at any time even when you just wake up or in the middle of your sleep. The pain that is felt when experiencing muscle cramps is caused by the muscle being tense continuously.
Unfortunately, until now it has not been known exactly what caused this sudden muscle cramps. Because, many things that might be the cause of muscle cramps, such as:
- Sports, can be a cause of muscle cramps because when you do these activities muscles become more frequently used. The muscles will tighten and relax, sometimes the muscles are overused, causing cramps.
- Mineral deficiency, for example magnesium or potassium.
- Stand and sit for a long time.
- Don't drink enough. If you don't drink, not only is your throat dry, but also your muscles will feel 'thirsty'.
- Take certain drugs such as birth control pills, diuretic drugs, and steroid drugs.
In addition, there are several other risk factors that make it easier for you to experience muscle cramps, namely:
- Age. The older a person is, the easier it is to experience muscle cramps, because they have lost a lot of muscle mass.
- Dehydration. The condition of dehydration that often occurs in athletes can cause muscle cramps more easily.
- Pregnancy. Problems with muscle cramps often occur during pregnancy.
- Blood flow is not smooth.
- Rarely exercise.
- Using high heels for a long time
What should I do when muscle cramps occur?
Usually this sudden muscle cramps will disappear in a short time. You can massage the cramped muscles and stretch them. Or if you are very sick and don't lose the muscle cramps you experience, you can take painkillers that are sold without the need for a doctor's prescription such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
In addition, you can also take a bath with warm water to make the muscles of the body more relaxed. Don't forget to drink enough water to maintain your body's hydration status.
Is muscle cramps dangerous? When do I have to see a doctor?
So far, muscle cramps are not a dangerous condition. But indeed, the cramping you feel may be caused by certain health problems, such as:
- Impaired kidney function
- Nervous system disorders
- Atherosclerosis
Actually, you can prevent muscle cramps by drinking enough water, keep exercising regularly, and eat foods that contain various vitamins and high calcium. If the muscle cramps that occur in you do not end, you should consult a doctor.
