Muscle Cramp ! by Izzati

What is it?

Muscle cramps happen when all or parts of a muscle contract without your control. They can stay contracted for several minutes, or until the muscle is stretched out and massaged. They're most common in your lower limbs, especially your calf muscles. But they can occur in any muscle. Severe cramps will stop or limit the activity that you were doing.

Why does it happen?

The main theory is that dehydration and fatigue cause muscle cramps. You lose vital minerals in sweat (mainly salts), and muscles start to cramp without them. After intense exercise or a new activity, your muscles may be so fatigued that they "misfire". Several misfires in the same muscle will cause it to cramp.

Specific Prevention?

• Warm up and cool down thoroughly. Add an extra 5 minutes of stretching to your cool down.
• If you regularly suffer from cramp in the same muscles, stop your exercise half way through to stretch and gently massage the specific muscle.
• Sip plenty of water or sports related drinks which include the extra minerals (electrolyte) that you need during your exercise.