Cramps are painful contractions of the muscle that happen involuntarily.  The exact cause of cramps has not yet been successfully determined however, there are thought to be a number of possible causes including:

 

Dehydration (not taking in enough water, especially in hot conditions)

Low potassium or sodium (salt) levels

Low Carbohydrate level.

Fatigue

 

Cramps during sports:   When we contract our muscles it reduces blood flow to the area for a moment.  This can sometimes lead to cramps known as anerobically expired.

 

Severe cramps can cause muscle damage.  Massage helps increase the blood flow to the muscle which helps repair injured muscles.

 

Do not STRETCH out a cramp, it will only cause more damage.  The opposite (antagonist)  muscles need to be worked.  A message needs to be sent to the brain for the cramped muscle to relax so the antagonist muscle can contract – contraction is not possible of both the antagonist and agonist.  For example, if the calf muscle is cramping you can hook your foot under a chair and pull your foot up towards your head.  This is sending a message to the brain to contract the muscles in the front of your leg to contract forcing the muscles in the back of your leg (gastroc and soleus) to relax.