Do you need help to manage cramp?
Suffering from cramp?
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muscle spasms
What is cramp?
There are a few different types of cramp and many different causes, so as always if you are unsure as to what is causing your cramp go and ask your doctor to investigate. Cramp is experienced when the muscle tightens or contracts and is often painful.
Cramp can occur in a variety of places around your body. Colic is cramping of the stomach or intestines.
Menstrual cramps affect the abdomen (tummy, lower back and sometimes upper legs) and muscle cramps usually affect the legs. Cramp that affects the legs can occur during the night and this is known as nocturnal cramp.
What causes cramp?
There are lots of causes but some of the main ones are dehydration, low levels of potassium and low levels of calcium. Cramp is commonly associated with pregnancy, kidney disease and thyroid disease.
Management of cramp
The treatment as always will depend upon the cause but simple treatments include gentle massage and stretching the muscle, drinking water and carefully applying heat or cold may help simple forms of cramp.
If you would like some answers or support about managing your cramp, please ask for individual confidential advice.
Updated: 15th September 2009
Do you need help to manage cramp?
