MUSCLE CRAMPS
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The cramps are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions, characterized by the presence of pain, which can affect both at rest and during exercise.
Muscle cramps at rest occur mostly during sleep, night cramps occur for a decrease in blood circulation, due to a lowering of the body temperature or the taking of bad positions. Are more common with advancing age, but can affect anyone.
Other factors that may facilitate the onset of cramps:
imbalances in the state of hydration, deficiency (dehydration) or excess (hyperhydration)
use of medications (such as diuretics)
mineral deficiencies and imbalances, especially those affecting calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium.
Muscle cramps occur instead during exercise in the case of athletes, especially at times of maximum intensity, for example in competition. In particular, muscle cramps primarily affect those engaged in resistance: running, marathon, cycling.
In these cases, the cramps are caused by muscle fatigue in 5% to mineral imbalances. The onset of muscle fatigue and therefore the occurrence of cramps, is subjective: depends on the ability of each athlete to provide optimal amounts of oxygen to muscle cells.
Contraction and pain are extinguished spontaneously in a few minutes. In some cases, muscle contraction is so strong that even after relaxation, pain persists for hours.
Remedies for cramps
The most effective and quickest way to solve a cramp in a muscle is contracting the antagonist muscle.
It may be useful to make stretching of the affected muscle, replace fluids and minerals lost and do warm compresses on the affected area.
Prevention of muscle cramps
To prevent cramps, it is useful to practice regular physical activity, followed by at least 10 minutes of stretching. And 'essential to provide the body the right amount of moisture and minerals. As always, also, it is only right to feed properly, in particular: to reduce fat intake.
Mineral supplements
Supplements for those who make sport