Muscular Cramps – Why and what can you do?

A muscle cramp occurs due to an involuntary contraction of a muscle. It can affect any muscle, but usually affects leg muscles. It can cause severe pain.

Why does it occur?

• Overuse of muscles
• Dehydration
• Pregnancy
• Mineral depletion
• Inadequate blood supply
• Nerve compression
• Underlying illness

Usually muscle cramps pass but you should see a doctor if:-

• You have severe discomfort
• There is leg swelling, redness or skin changes
• There is muscle weakness
• It happens frequently
• It doesn’t improve with care

How to prevent muscle cramps

• Keep hydrated regularly
• Warm up muscles before exercise
• Use leg warmers on cold days
• Stretch and walk around for a few minutes if sitting for long periods

How to treat a cramp

• Stretch the affected muscle
• Massage the area well
• Use alternate heat and cold pads
• Slowly use the muscle to help circulation

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801