Muscle cramps occur unexpectedly, during physical workouts, while sleeping, or even at rest. The involuntary contractions of one or more muscles often lead to intense pain and discomfort, which usually last from a few seconds to 10 minutes.
There are numerous fundamental causes of muscle cramps; understanding them can help relieve them and prevent their occurrence.
If it’s your first time experiencing muscle cramps and wondering why they occur, rest assured; we are here to let you know! This detailed blog post sheds light on the eight major causes of muscle cramps. So, continue to read on…
Dehydration
Never overlook the consequences of insufficient water intake. The dehydration can affect the overall muscle function and cause various health issues. If your body lacks adequate hydration, electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, get imbalanced, resulting in frequent muscle cramps. Most people experience muscular cramps due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. In that case, the only way to balance electrolytes and prevent cramps is adequate water intake.
Electrolyte Imbalance
As mentioned earlier, electrolytes can affect muscle contraction. Whether you experience excessive sweating, have a poor diet, or suffer from any medical issue, electrolyte imbalances occur. The well-balanced electrolytes help regulate muscle function. The moment when levels are off, muscle activity can be disrupted.
Overexertion
If you regularly participate in extended hours of exercise without proper training and nutritional gaps, muscle fatigue may occur. The major risk of leg cramps will increase. So, when you experience cramps in your legs, find effective ways to get quick Leg cramp relief. Avoid excessive workouts, as they may cause muscles to seize in response to too much stress.
Poor Stretching or Warm-up Practices
Insufficient warm-up or poor stretching prior to workouts could render muscles more prone to cramping frequently. Without maintaining flexibility and reducing cramp frequency, you cannot make your muscles ready for physical activity. Ineffective stretching techniques can also put stress on muscles, affecting their movements and causing cramps.
Certain Medications
Some medications or drugs, especially diuretics, even when prescribed by doctors or healthcare professionals, can also negatively affect nerve function. This malfunctioning can lead to muscle cramps as a secondary effect. Knowing and understanding the adverse effects of prescribed medications before taking them can offer valuable insights into why cramps may occur.
Medical Conditions
Various medical conditions can lead to muscle weakness and cramping. Some of the most common issues that most people suffer from are diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and peripheral artery disease. If any of these conditions persist for longer, they could impair regular muscular function and increase the risk of cramps every now and then.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamins and minerals, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D, can cause regular muscle cramps. Muscle health depends on a balanced diet rich in these elements. So, everyone should take nutritious food, including fruits and vegetables, fish, eggs, milk, and whole grains. Staying well-hydrated and healthy from the inside out can keep your body’s muscles strengthened.
Age-Related Factors
As we get older, changes in muscular mass and activity levels may contribute to an increased tendency to suffer from muscular cramps. Decreased flexibility and strength that older persons sometimes exhibit can raise their risk of cramps, which can be unbearable for them.