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Causes for Muscle Cramps
Home » Common Ailments » Muscle Cramps » Causes for Muscle CrampsThe exact cause of muscle cramps is unknown, but there are several factors that researchers believe are correlated with muscle cramps. Inadequate stretching and muscle fatigue could be involved. This is a result of poorly conditioned muscles, which can alter spinal neural reflex activity. Overexerting the muscle will deplete its oxygen supply and cause a build up of waste. This build up of waste then causes the spasm. In addition, working or exercising in intense heat, dehydration, and depletion of electrolytes could be to blame. The action of sweating drains your body of fluids, salt, and minerals. The loss of these vital nutrients can lead to muscle spasms.
Muscle spasms are more common for certain groups of people. Infants and young children, people over age 65, and those who are ill, overweight, overexert during work or exercise, or take drugs or certain medications may be pre-disposed to muscle cramps. In addition, endurance athletes, such as marathon runners and triathletes, may experience cramping during the preseason or near the end of intense or prolonged exercise. People in their mid-forties may also begin to develop more frequent or intense muscle spasms as a result of normal muscle loss. This muscle atrophy accelerates with inactivity.
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