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Do you get muscle cramps?

Muscle cramps that arise due to exertion can be rectified easily

Thankfully, not all of us have experienced muscle cramps, at least not the kind that etch Oscar-worthy grimaces on cricket batsmen's faces in the middle of a run chase in hot weather. Few things are more painful than a muscle involuntarily locked in spasm that refuses to relax.

Cramps can last from anywhere between a few seconds to a few minutes, and they most commonly involve the muscles of the lower limb. However, they can also involve any voluntary skeletal muscle. No one knows exactly why cramps happen, but who gets it and when is well known. The very young, the elderly, endurance athletes and the ill-conditioned are at greatest risk. Over-exertion is a common risk factor. Excessive exertion in hot weather, dehydration and salt loss are the perfect setting for cramps. The elderly on certain medications are also likely to be at risk for cramps. To lower the risk of cramps, drink an electrolyte-rich fluid at regular intervals during play in hot weather. This does not mean soft drinks. A fruit juice or even the freely available Oral Rehydration Solution is your best bet.

Maintain fitness and flexibility even in the off-season for your sport. Gently massage and stretch the cramping muscle. If the muscle is tender to touch, apply an ice compress. If it feels tight without much pain, apply a mildly warm hot water bottle to the area. Cramps that are severe, happen frequently, respond poorly to treatment and are not related to strenuous exercise, may reflect an underlying disorder that requires evaluation. For example, muscle cramps may be seen in nerve irritation caused by spinal cord root compression seen in a number of conditions.

RAJIV. M

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