A condition called crampi syndrome, during life at least once, but occurs in every person. It is characterized by the appearance of intense, but short-term convulsions mainly in the calf region. Cramps are accompanied by pronounced pain.
Crumpy: what it is and why it arises
The reasons for this phenomenon are very diverse. Muscle cramps are unpredictable and appear at any time of the day. They can accompany existing pathologies, be a consequence of past diseases. In addition, cramps can also bother healthy people.
A certain difficulty is that crampi syndrome is a condition in which it is difficult to identify the main factor that served as the impetus for its appearance. In most cases, a comprehensive examination of the body is required.
Possible causes of krampi (symptoms, diagnosis and therapy for each of them may differ) are as follows:
- In healthy people - an irrational approach to physical activity, dehydration due to excessive sweating or diarrhea. In addition, muscle crumps can be random, they are called idiopathic. The reason for their appearance is still unknown. During a spasm, the foot may be briefly fixed in an unusual position.
- Neurological diseases associated mainly with damage to cells of the anterior horns of the spinal cord. In addition, krampi syndrome may be the result of poliomyelitis, malignant neoplasms, trauma, hyperactivity, muscle dystrophy, rigid human syndromes and Satoyoshi.
- Metabolic disease. As a rule, it occurs during pregnancy, excessive excitability of muscle tissue and the nervous system (tetany), malfunctioning of the thyroid gland.
- Taking certain medications, for example: diuretics, corticosteroids, preparations containing lithium and salbutamol.
- Excess Vitamin E in the body.
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
- Surgical manipulations on the digestive system.
- Poisoning by pesticides, salts of heavy metals.
- Toxic substances that enter the body as a result of the bites of certain insects.
Trigger factors
Muscle crumpy can often bother people suffering from more than just neurological diseases.
The spasms are triggered by:
- slowed down blood circulation;
- violation of the connection of organs with the central nervous system;
- vascular disease;
- fluid stagnation in the body;
- lifestyle excluding frequent motor activity.
In addition, smokers and people with alcohol addiction are subject to krampi.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of crampi syndrome are:
- sharp muscle spasm mainly in the gastrocnemius zone, which is one-sided;
- pronounced pain syndrome;
- on palpation, a tense muscle is palpated;
- for some time after the cessation of the spasm, aching pain is disturbing.
Sometimes with krampi syndrome, fasciculations may appear. This is a condition in which contractions of muscle tissue are visible to the naked eye. It happens that the visualization of a stressful area can serve as a harbinger of convulsions.
In people suffering from neurological diseases, spasms are provoked easier and more often disturbed. They can occur not only in the calf zone, but also in the muscles of the thigh, back, chest, and even the face.
Often, krampi appear at night, when the human body is as relaxed as possible. With existing diseases of a neurological nature, an impetus for the occurrence of painful seizures can be even a slight change in position. In addition, the elderly are prone to night cramps.
With Satyoshi syndrome, krampi, on the contrary, is disturbed during the daytime during any physical activity. In the process of spasm, the trunk and limbs are forced to be fixed in an unnatural position.
With tetany in children, krampi can be accompanied by a laryngeal stridor, characterized by wheezing, barking cough, and a blue-nasolabial triangle.
Muscle cramps that appear during pregnancy indicate a lack of B vitamins, as well as trace elements such as potassium and magnesium. In this case, general weakness, increased fatigue join the convulsions, and discomfort in the calf muscle periodically worries.
Diagnostics
The main task of the doctor is to find out the true cause of crampy syndrome. Treatment is also primarily aimed at combating pathology, the progression of which is painful muscle cramps.
The main method for their diagnosis is a neurophysiological examination, in particular, electroencephalography. With its help, the functionality of the nervous system is checked.
The following methods are also informative:
- magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar;
- electroneuromyography;
- Ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities.
In addition, the following are mandatory: clinical analysis of urine, general and biochemical blood tests.
Treatment
Therapy begins with finding out the cause of the periodic appearance of crampy syndrome, and eliminating it with medication.
As auxiliary methods of treatment successfully applied:
- Physiotherapy.
- Water treatments.
- Intravenous administration of quinine.
- Physiotherapy.
A set of physical exercises is designed to improve muscle tension, relieve spasms and pain. To achieve the best effect, they must be performed regularly, at least 2 times a day. To reduce the likelihood of krampi appearing at night, it is recommended to devote several minutes to classes before bedtime.
The treatment complex includes the following exercises:
- Starting position - standing in front of the wall at a distance of about 1 m, palms rest against it at a level slightly above the head. Without taking your hands and feet off the surfaces, make slow forward bends, at the maximum deflection point, hold the position for several seconds.
- The starting position is the same, only one leg needs to be bent at the knee. Without lifting your feet off the floor, slowly squat, lingering at the end point for a few seconds.
- Sit on the floor, legs stretched forward. The task is to tilt your body and reach your feet with your hands. Lowering your head and bending your back is prohibited.
- Lean your hands on the back of the chair. Bending alternately the legs on the knee, try to reach the buttocks with the heel.
Before doing the exercises, you need to warm up to warm up the muscles. On the recommendation of a doctor, this complex can be expanded.
An invaluable benefit in the fight against krampi is the contrast shower. It improves the condition of blood vessels and normalizes blood circulation.
The drug quinine causes many disagreements about its purpose. Despite its effectiveness, it has serious side effects, in connection with which doctors try to avoid its use.
Today, there are many physiotherapeutic methods that solve the problem of painful seizures. During the consultation, the doctor selects the best and most effective for each patient.
Unconventional methods
Alternative methods should complement the main therapy, as krampi syndrome is only a consequence of existing pathologies.
Effectively relieve spasms of decoctions and infusions of:
- birch buds;
- linden colors;
- barberry;
- dill;
- hawthorn;
- thyme;
- daisies;
- hops;
- fennel;
- peppermint;
- oregano;
- elderberries.
Healing drinks can be prepared from one type of plant or from several.
First Aid for Krampi
As soon as the spasm made itself felt, the following actions will help to remove it as soon as possible:
- try to take a few steps;
- pinch several times over the skin in a tense zone;
- sitting, straighten your leg and pull the sock towards you;
- with rubbing movements, massage the painful area from the bottom up.
After the cramp disappears, you can use a warming ointment.
Prevention
Muscular krampi are unpredictable. To reduce the likelihood of their occurrence, it is extremely important to identify and treat neurological diseases in a timely manner. In addition, it is advisable to stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.
Who to contact
With frequent cramping (more than 2 times a month), you must make an appointment with the therapist. He will collect an anamnesis and prescribe appropriate tests. According to their results, the patient is sent for treatment to narrow specialists: a neurologist, orthopedist, endocrinologist, phlebologist, etc.
Finally
Muscular krampi are convulsions that usually bother at night. They can both disturb completely healthy people, and be a symptom of serious diseases. With their systematic appearance, you need to immediately contact a therapist and undergo a thorough examination.