Are you dealing with painful muscle cramps?

A muscle cramp can cause pain and discomfort that lasts for a few seconds or more than 15 minutes, depending on the severity. A muscle spasm is another term for a muscle cramp. A muscle cramp occurs when the muscles start constricting involuntarily, causing an aching sensation. The involuntary nature of a muscle cramp, or spasm, can make the muscle start writhing and twisting without any intentional movement from the patient.

The symptoms of a muscle cramp

A muscle cramp can occur anywhere in the body, like the arms, legs, back, abdomen, neck, or ribcage. A charley horse is a slang term used to describe a leg cramp. A charley horse creates a stiff and uncomfortable feeling in the calf and foot area. In other areas of the body, common muscle spasm symptoms are pain, numbness, paralysis, lack of proper coordination, and vision impairment. Prolonged issues such as sleep disorders may also arise.

Athletes and the plight of muscle cramps

People who exercise often are more prone to developing muscle cramps, and athletes are no exception. Muscle cramps occur for a variety of reasons, like dehydration, fatigue, lack of proper stretching before physical activity, heat cramps, electrolyte disturbance, and excessive exercise. Many of these issues are common with athletes, so muscle spasms become a byproduct of these problems.

What is an electrolyte disturbance?

Electrolyte disturbance is a term used to describe an electrolyte disparity in the body. An electrolyte disturbance is the result of excessively high or low mineral levels. This mineral imbalance can lead to muscle spasms. Electrolytes allow the body to function properly by maintaining a healthy heart rhythm, regulating blood pressure, controlling body fluids, assisting the nerves and muscles, equalizing blood alkaline compounds, and other functions. The most important electrolytes in the body are bicarbonate, calcium, chloride, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and sulfate.

The dangers of dystonia

Sometimes, muscle spasms are the symptom of a very serious issue within the body. Dystonia is a condition caused by a neurological issue. With dystonia, the brain cannot properly control bodily functions resulting in involuntarily muscle contractions. Dystonia can be a genetic disorder or an aftereffect of a brain injury or stroke. People with dystonia might feel tremors or electric shocks during an episode, and the body can contort into strange poses. The main types of dystonia are multifocal, focal, segmental, hemidystonia, and generalized.

Recalibrating electrolytes

Athletes can do a few things to prevent muscle spasms. The first tactic is to stay hydrated. Proper hydration prevents dehydration within the body, so the muscles don’t contract. The second tactic is to keep electrolyte levels balanced. Magnesium is an important electrolyte that helps with muscle and nerve utility along with teeth and bone development. Magnesium can be found in food, drinks, and supplements. Many sports drinks contain electrolytes to hydrate athletes while restoring electrolytes in the body.

Take a magnesium supplement

Athletes that do not get an adequate amount of magnesium from food or fluid intake should consider taking magnesium supplements. Magnesium comes in many different forms, such as chelate, citrate, and malate. Research shows that the body easily breaks down magnesium citrate, so this mineral is often used in magnesium supplements. Magnesium chelate is also commonly found in supplements. Magnesium supplements are available in powder, capsule, pill, and liquid form.

Consulting an expert

Before taking any supplements, speak to a physician to learn more about muscle spasm symptoms and causes. Doctors can also evaluate patients to determine if a neurological disorder is the cause of muscle cramps.