Muscle Cramps - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Cramps are involuntary and sudden contractions of the striated musculature. Their onset is characterized by very intense painful pangs, which often immobilize the affected part.

The muscle affected by a cramp appears hard to the touch, but does not show edema or bruising.

Cramps occur more frequently in the thigh, calf and foot. These contractions are transient and generally last a few minutes. When they occur during night rest, muscle cramps can also cause frequent awakenings, disturbing sleep.

There are various causes of this symptom. Often, cramps are a result of excessive dehydration, intense stress, physical fatigue or maintaining a position for a long period of time.

Cramps can arise when a muscle group is over-stressed during work (eg masons, miners and military) or a sport practice (especially if physical exercise is practiced in hot-humid environments). In the latter case, stress cramps reflect lack of training or, on the contrary, can occur in physically trained individuals who sweat profusely and do not replenish mineral salts. In fact, this causes an imbalance between hydration and electrolytic concentration.

If they occur frequently, cramps can be due, in particular, to a deficiency or imbalance in sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin D.

Cramps are also a symptom of circulatory problems, more or less serious, that hinder the body's normal blood flow (eg peripheral atherosclerosis, venous thrombosis, varicose veins and phlebitis). Furthermore, they can signal the presence of restless legs syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable and urgent need to move the legs.

Cramps may also appear during a drug treatment (for example, with diuretics) or during pregnancy. Other causes include muscular and neurological diseases (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, nerve compression, etc.) and foot malformations (such as the hollow foot).

Factors that can increase the risk of developing muscle cramps include hepatosteatosis (fatty liver), diabetes, thyroid disease, alcohol abuse, smoking, oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy.