Muscle Cramps – Causes and Treatment  

Experiencing a muscle cramp is never pleasant, particularly when they occur out of the blue. The human body has around 600 muscles, and cramps can occur within any muscle you have voluntary control over. The feet and calf muscles are most commonly affected due to their extensive daily use, but other factors such as malnutrition and dehydration can also cause muscle cramps. If you’ve been experiencing cramps on a regular basis, perhaps it’s time to explore treatment options with your physio. In this blog post we will be sharing some insight into why cramps occur, along with the treatment options available to you. 

What is a muscle cramp? 

A cramp occurs involuntarily and suddenly, with an individual experiencing sharp pain caused by muscle contraction. Despite a wealth of research, there is no conclusive evidence on what actually causes muscles to cramp. Overworking muscles is believed to be a leading cause, but sweating and the subsequent loss of body fluids may also have a role to play. Recent studies have suggested that neuromuscular fatigue may also be a contributing factor. 

Most sportspeople would have experienced a cramp before, as they are most likely to occur during rigorous physical activity or sport. In most cases, cramps will resolve of their own accord. However, if you experience regular cramps then it might be worthwhile considering treatment. 

Minimising Your Risk of Cramps 

There are a few ways to minimise the risk of experiencing a muscle cramp. These include: 

• Warming Up – this will help to prepare the muscles for activity, whilst also building strength over time.  

• Hydration and Nutrition – make sure to drink plenty of water and electrolytes. A significant amount of water is lost through sweat, and this fluid is essential for proper bodily function and muscle contraction. Carbohydrates will also provide energy to the muscles, which may delay cramping. 
• Rest and Recovery – never try to go too hard, too fast. Rest and recovery is important, as it allows your body time to recover and adapt gradually to new demands. Make sure you get a good amount of sleep, whilst also scheduling rest days and paying attention to post training nutrition.  
• Resistance Training – an effective way to improve muscle strength, it’s worth talking physiotherapist about the benefits of resistance training. This can be incorporated as part of your gym routine. 

Reducing Symptoms of Cramps 

If you’re experiencing muscle cramps, you may wish to try some of the following to reduce the symptoms: 

• Massaging the affected muscles 
• Stretching 
• Use of compression garments 
• Dry needling 

What about Physiotherapy?  

Whilst it is not usually possible to accurately determine the cause of muscle cramps, physiotherapy can help in reducing muscle tension and occurrence of cramps. This may involve the use of manual therapy which will ease muscle tension. Your physiotherapist can also show you a range of strength and stretching routines, in addition to providing advice on preventing and managing muscle cramps. In cases where physical fitness or muscle fatigue is behind your cramps, a tailored rehabilitation program can be devised.  

Experiencing regular cramps? Contact Orthosports Physio Today 

Muscle cramps can be painful, but by following basic precautions and the guidance of your physiotherapist you can reduce symptoms and the risk of recurrence. Contact the team at Orthosports Physiotherapy today to book an appointment.