Cramps are often benign. While anyone can experience a cramp, certain populations are more at risk due to their age, health condition, or lifestyle, such as the elderly, athletes, and pregnant women. Therefore, it is important to adopt the right measures to quickly relieve the pain.
Cramps refer to musculoskeletal disorders characterized by involuntary, sustained, temporary, and sometimes painful muscle contractions. They can occur at rest, including during sleep, or during intense physical exertion, whether during warm-up, exercise, or even during the recovery phase.
What are the different types of cramps?
There are several types of cramps:
Muscle cramps
Muscle cramps involve a muscle or group of muscles affected by this involuntary and sudden muscle contraction. The cramp can affect the entire muscle or a few muscle fibers.
Nocturnal cramps
Nocturnal cramps mostly occur in the arms, calves, and feet. These cramps happen at night during sleep or at rest. It can be related to poor blood circulation, sleeping position, or physical exertion during the day without stretching before going to bed, leading to muscle contraction.
Stomach cramps
Stomach cramps are intense pains located in the upper abdomen. Sometimes, the pain may spread throughout the abdomen. The pain can occur after eating and last several minutes.
Pregnancy cramps
Pregnant women may experience cramps. This can be due to increased pressure on abdominal nerves and blood vessels due to the increased weight of the uterus, vitamin deficiency, fatigue, or venous insufficiency.
Which areas are often affected by cramps?
Cramps can occur in both the lower and upper limbs.
Foot cramps
Cramps can occur in the foot. While they are generally not serious, continuous cramping should be a cause for concern.
Calf cramps
Calf cramps are characterized by painful muscle contractions localized in this area. The pain often radiates through the leg.
Leg and thigh cramps
Leg and thigh cramps do not necessarily have a specific cause. They can occur at night or after physical activity, etc.
Diseases that can cause cramps
Some diseases can also be a source of cramps. Here are a few examples:
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease (renal insufficiency) occurs when the kidneys are damaged and no longer filter the blood properly. In addition to muscle cramps, this condition generally causes digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting), itching, frequent urination, and loss of appetite.
Poor blood circulation
Poor blood circulation can also be the cause of muscle cramps. If the muscles are not properly irrigated, cramps can occur.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a malfunction of the thyroid gland that leads to a decrease in thyroid hormone production and a slowdown in metabolism. This condition often results in muscle cramps, weight gain, intolerance to cold, and fatigue.
Charcot’s disease
Charcot’s disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a severe neurodegenerative disease. It can cause cramps accompanied by muscle weakness and joint stiffness.
Peripheral neuropathy
Cramps can occur with peripheral neuropathy, a disorder that affects the peripheral nerves, which connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body. Other symptoms that may prompt consultation include tingling in the fingers or toes and a sensation of electric shocks.
