Many of us at some point in our life have probably experienced a muscle cramp. The pain that it brings is something that isn't forgotten, and is something a person does not want to experience again.
Most people do not understand what a muscle cramp is, let alone understand why it happens and how to prevent them. This article will give you all the information you need to fully understand muscle cramps.
What Is A Cramp?
A muscle cramp is an involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. Muscle cramps normally last from a few seconds to up to fifteen minutes. On rare occurrences they can last longer than fifteen minutes. A cramp can persist numerous times until it eventually goes away. Cramps can effect the muscles differently - for instance it can affect a group of muscles, a single muscle, or even a specific part of a muscle.
Who Can Get A Cramp?
Cramps are very common not only in athletes, but also in someone who is sedentary all day long. Children and seniors alike can be victim to cramping. Aging is a nasty concept-and unfortunately as you age, your chance of frequent cramping increases.
Can All Muscles Cramp?
All skeletal muscles can cramp at any given moment. A very common cramp that majority of the population has experienced one time or another occurs with the calf muscle (named a "charley horse"). Most cramps occur in the extremities especially with the legs.