The cramps where is my mind

The physical examination focuses first on the nervous system neurologic examination Neurologic Examination When a neurologic disorder is suspected, doctors usually evaluate all of the body systems during the physical examination, but they focus on the nervous system. Examination of the nervous system—the Alcoholism such as spider veins, red palms, and, in men, changes in the pattern of genital hair.

No tests are routinely done. Instead, testing is done based on the history and results of the physical examination.

If cramping is widespread, particularly if reflexes are overactive, doctors measure levels of blood sugar and electrolytes including calcium and magnesium and do blood tests to check for kidney malfunction which can cause levels of calcium and magnesium to be abnormal. If the cramped muscles are also weak, electromyography Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies Diagnostic procedures may be needed to confirm a diagnosis suggested by the medical history and neurologic examination.

Electroencephalography EEG is a simple, painless procedure in which For this test, a small needle is inserted into a muscle to record the electrical activity of the muscle when the muscle is at rest and when it is contracting. If muscle weakness Weakness Weakness refers to loss of muscle strength.

That is, people cannot move a muscle normally despite trying as hard as they can. However, the term is often misused. Many people with normal muscle MRI does not use x-rays and is usually very safe Avoiding drugs that are stimulants, such as ephedrine or pseudoephedrine a decongestant contained in many products that do not require a prescription but are available only behind the pharmacy counter.

Stretching makes muscles and tendons more flexible and less likely to contract involuntarily. The runner's gastrocnemius stretch is the best stretch for preventing calf cramps. A person stands with one leg forward and bent at the knee and the other leg behind with the knee straight—a lunge position. The hands can be placed on the wall for balance. Both heels remain on the floor. The knee of the front leg is bent further until a stretch is felt along the back of the other leg. The greater the distance between the two feet and the more the front knee is bent, the greater the stretch.

The stretch is held for 30 seconds and repeated 4 or 5 times. Then the set of stretches is repeated on the other side. Keep rear leg straight with knees and toes pointing toward the wall, keep rear heel on the floor. Bend knee on uninvolved leg and lean hips toward the wall to feel a stretch along the calf of the rear leg. It is important to maintain a straight back posture with the heel firmly planted [not lifted] during the stretch.

Stretching helps prevent cramps because it makes muscles less likely to contract involuntarily without the person's intending it. If a cramp occurs, stretching the affected muscle often relieves the cramp. For example, for a calf cramp, the person could use a hand to pull the foot and toes upward or could do the runner's stretch.

Massage may temporarily relieve some types of cramps. Most of the drugs prescribed to prevent cramps from recurring including calcium supplements, magnesium carbonate, and benzodiazepines such as diazepam have not proved to be effective, and they can have side effects. Quinine is no longer recommended as treatment for muscle cramps because of its side effects, such as abnormal heart rhythms, vomiting, vision problems, ringing in the ears, and headaches. Mexiletine used to treat abnormal heart rhythms sometimes helps but also has many side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, tremors rhythmic shaking of a body part , and seizures.

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Common Health Topics. Robert Sailer. Jim Thomas. Al Just Al. Mark Woodland. Peanut Head Slicker than bad Johnny. Mike Tynio. Matt Cuddy. Brett Nicholson. James Pickell. Neale Floyd. Taylor Bowen. Darren Katomski. Dark Syndicate. Macnut kauai. Jack Budgen. Leslie Lear-Northington. Prevention strategies Suggestions on how to reduce the likelihood of muscle cramp include: Increase your level of physical fitness. Incorporate regular stretching into your fitness routine. Warm up and cool down thoroughly whenever you exercise or play sport.

Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise. Make sure your diet is nutritionally adequate, and include plenty of fruits and vegetables. A regular massage may help to reduce muscle tension.

Wear properly fitted shoes and avoid high heels. The exact cause is unknown, but some of the risk factors may include poor physical condition, dehydration and muscle fatigue. You can help reduce the duration and severity of cramp by gently stretching the muscle and massaging the area. See your doctor if you experience regular muscle cramping or if cramps last longer than a few minutes. Non-drug therapies for lower limb muscle cramps.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , Issue 1. DOI: Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all bones muscles and joints. Related information. From other websites Australian Physiotherapy Association. Dietitians Association of Australia. Mayo Clinic. Pain - Muscle Cramps - Blackmores Australia.

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