Muscle cramps and spasms can creep up on you at any time and attack. If you’ve ever experienced one of these pains, you know just how terrible they can be.
It starts with a small twinge, then the affected limb curls inward as you struggle to make the spasm stop. Some muscle spasms are so strong that they can bruise your body. If you stand on your feet all day, muscle cramps can be extremely debilitating because they are common in feet and legs, especially in the arches of the feet and across the calf muscle.
Some of the other common muscle groups that are affected by spasms include:
Hamstrings
Quadriceps (quads)
Hands
Arms
Abdomen, for people who regularly use this muscle group
The worst part of cramping, for some sufferers, is that it often comes back multiple times per incident, before going away for several days or weeks.
Why Muscle Cramps Happen
Nobody knows, for certain, why muscle cramps and spasms happen. In many cases, however, other symptoms come along with the cramp that can help you figure out what you need to do to relieve your suffering. The most common paired symptoms include:
Dehydration
Lack of sodium, and depletion of electrolytes without proper replacement
Low potassium
Poor exercise habits, including lack of stretching
Fatigue of your muscles and body in general
Engaging in new exercise activities
Cramps and spasms can often be avoided by avoiding the above factors. However, muscle cramps can also be a sign of much more serious conditions, such as tetanus or heat-related injury. When in doubt (or your cramps are severe), get medical treatment to be sure!
Treatment for Heat Cramps
Here are a few tips for treating a heat-related cramp, specifically:
Stop your activity
Move to the shade
Drink water, a sports drink, or another liquid
Cool down, wait for cramps to go away
If your heat-related symptoms last longer than an hour, or if you have a history of heart problems, get emergency treatment right away. In Arizona, heat-related injuries are no joke, and cause serious damage to many people every year. In some cases, in children’s sport leagues for example, another person is responsible for keeping everyone safe and cool and could be held responsible if your child suffers an unnecessary heat-related injury. To find out more, speak to The Husband and Wife Law Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. There’s no charge for a consultation!