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Hand & Leg Cramping
Hand and leg cramps are painful, involuntary muscle contractions that often occur without warning. While most cramps are relatively harmless and pose no long-term danger, they may be a caused by a number of factors. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cramps are often caused by muscle fatigue, dehydration, mineral deficiency and medicines. Reoccuring cramps in the hands may be an indication of an underlying neurological or cardiac condition, and you should have such symptoms checked by a medical professional.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Muscle Fatigue
Extremely heavy lifting or exercising until muscle exhaustion may lead to cramping. Muscle contraction operates by releasing set amounts of sodium and potassium. When taxed with heavy lifting or endurance exercise, the muscles, lacking proper amounts of the minerals, cannot contract and relax, often staying in the contracted position, which causes a cramp.cause:
- When taxed with heavy lifting or endurance exercise
- the muscles
- lacking proper amounts of the minerals
- cannot contract
- relax
- often staying in the contracted position
- which causes a cramp
Muscles held static in a contracted position for prolonged periods of time are also likely to cramp. You may experience cramps in the hands when writing for long periods of time.
- Extremely heavy lifting or exercising until muscle exhaustion may lead to cramping.
- You may experience cramps in the hands when writing for long periods of time.
Dehydration
Sodium & Cramps
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Dehydration, usually caused by exercise in hot conditions, can cause cramping in the hands, legs or other muscles. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons report that sweating depletes the muscles of sodium, potassium and chloride 1. Cramping occurs when these minerals are not replaced through proper hydration. Drinking water and sports drinks during exercise keep you hydrated as well as providing the required minerals. To avoid dehydration, and potential cramps, the American Council on Exercise recommends consuming between 90 and 125 oz 2. of fluid each day, more if you are engaging in strenuous exercise
Medical Conditions
Cramps, especially in the legs, may also be the result of a serious medical condition. According to MayoClinic.com, athlerosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, may limit blood flow to the muscles in the legs, resulting in cramping. Nerve damage, especially in the back and spine can also cause the muscles in the legs to cram. Leg cramps are also associated with kidney disease, anemia and diabetes.
- Cramps, especially in the legs, may also be the result of a serious medical condition.
Treatment
What Are the Causes of Shoulder Pain & Shaking of the Hand?
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Cramps usually do not last longer than 15 minutes. When cramps occur, the AAOS recommends stopping the activity and gently stretching the cramped area. Stretching seems to be most beneficial when held until the cramp releases. Alternating heat and cold to a cramped area may also help treat the affected area. You can prevent cramps by engaging in a daily stretching routine, taking a multivitamin and maintaining proper hydration
- Cramps usually do not last longer than 15 minutes.
- When cramps occur, the AAOS recommends stopping the activity and gently stretching the cramped area.
Related Articles
References
- American Acadamy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Muscle Cramps
- American Council on Exercise: Healthy Hydration
- Young G. Leg cramps. BMJ Clin Evid. 2015;2015
- Jahic D, Begic E. Exercise-associated muscle cramp-doubts about the cause. Mater Sociomed. 2018;30(1):67-69. doi:10.5455/msm.2018.30.67-69
- Waters TR, Dick RB. Evidence of health risks associated with prolonged standing at work and intervention effectiveness. Rehabil Nurs. 2015;40(3):148-65. doi:10.1002/rnj.166
- Skogar O, Lokk J. Pain management in patients with Parkinson's disease: challenges and solutions. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2016;9:469-479. doi:10.2147/JMDH.S105857
- Hallegraeff J, De greef M, Krijnen W, Van der schans C. Criteria in diagnosing nocturnal leg cramps: a systematic review. BMC Fam Pract. 2017;18(1):29. doi: 10.1186/s12875-017-0600-x
- Mcdermott MM. Lower extremity manifestations of peripheral artery disease: the pathophysiologic and functional implications of leg ischemia. Circ Res. 2015;116(9):1540-50. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.114.303517
- Blyton F, Chuter V, Walter KE, Burns J. Non-drug Therapies For Lower Limb Muscle Cramps. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; 1:CD008496.
- Grandner MA, Winkelman JW. Nocturnal leg cramps: Prevalence And Associations With Demographics, Sleep Disturbance Symptoms, Medical Conditions, And Cardiometabolic Risk Factors. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178465.
- Allen RE, Kirby KA. Nocturnal Leg Cramps. Am Fam Physician 2012; 86:350
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Sleep Related Leg Cramps. In: International Classification of Sleep Disorders, 3rd ed., American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Darien, IL 2014. p.299-303.
- Maquirriain J, Merello M. The Athlete with Muscular Cramps: Clinical Approach. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2007; 15:425.
Writer Bio
Michael Bartlett has been writing since 1996 and brings expertise in fitness, nutrition, and wellness to his online articles. Bartlett is a certified health teacher and personal trainer in upstate New York. He holds a Bachelor of Science in health science from Cortland College and an Associate of Science in physical education from Hudson Valley Community College.