cramp - Causes and treatment, Nocturnal leg cramps, Smooth muscle, Skeletal muscle

The involuntary spasm of a muscle, or a group of skeletal muscles, which causes pain. Cramp tends to occur in the elderly and in pregnancy. The calf muscles are particularly affected.

Name of Symptom/Sign:
Cramp
Classifications and external resources

ICD-10	R25.2
ICD-9	729.82

Cramps are unpleasant sensations caused by contraction, usually of muscles. see Delayed onset muscle soreness

Causes and treatment

There are two basic causes of cramping. Cramps from poor oxygenation can be improved by rapid deep breathing, as well as stretching the muscle. Cramps from lack of salt and water can be treated by stretching the muscle, and of course drinking water and increasing salt intake.

Muscle cramps in particular can be treated by applying a soft massage on the cramped muscle, stretching the muscle and applying heat or cold. Heat improves superficial blood circulation and makes muscles more flexible, so some people find that heat is more soothing for muscle cramps than applying ice.

Electrolyte disturbance may cause cramping and tetany of muscles, particularly hypokalemia (a low level of potassium) and hypocalcemia (a low level of calcium).

Muscle cramps may be a symptom of Hypothyroidism.

Nocturnal leg cramps

Nocturnal leg cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that occur in the calves, soles of the feet or other muscles in the body during the night or (less commonly) while resting. Soreness in the muscles may remain for some time after the cramp ends.

An unrelated condition is restless legs syndrome, an unpleasant sensation that is relieved by moving the leg, but which rarely includes cramping or pain.

Smooth muscle

Smooth muscle contractions lie at the heart of the cramping (or colicky) pain of internal organs.

Skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscles are muscles in our body that we can control(voluntary). These muscles include the calfs, thighs, and archs in the foot and cramp more often than any other muscles.