Cramp

Definition of Cramp:

A sudden, involuntary, painful muscular contraction.

Also: Cramping, Cramps

Topics Related to Cramp

Abdominal Pain

...related topic
“...It may be constant or intermittent (cramping).”

Adenomyosis

...the condition
“...Blood and debris are thus trapped inside the uterine wall, causing swelling of the uterus, severe cramps and bleeding...”
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More topics Related to Cramp

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

...the condition
“...Symptoms may include tripping and falling, loss of motor control in hands and arms, difficulty speaking, swallowing and/or breathing, persistent fatigue, and twitching and cramping, sometimes quite severely...”

Antidepressants

...as a treatment
“...Other withdrawal symptoms include ... Stomach cramping and pain...”

Arrhythmias/Dysrhythmias

...recommendation Potassium
“...Low potassium may cause muscle cramps or worsen an arrhythmia...”

Atherosclerosis

...the condition
“...Pain and cramps at the site of the narrowed artery, such as chest pain or leg cramps when walking; a hardened feel, like small, hard pipes, of arteries in forearms or carotid arteries in the neck...”

Biofeedback

...as a treatment
“...'Stiff Neck' pain and writer's cramp can be relieved in this way...”

Buerger's Disease

...the condition
“...Affected individuals may also experience cramping in the legs when they walk that, in rare cases, may cause limping (claudication)...”

Carbohydrate Intolerance

...the condition
“...Unprocessed carbohydrates passing through the digestive tract can cause a number of problems ranging from mild cramps to severe blockages...”

Chanca Piedra (Break-Stone)

...as a treatment
“...There has been no toxicity reported in any of the clinical studies, nor have there been any side-effects reported, except for an occasional case of cramps during the expulsion of stones from the use of the whole plant either as a tea or in "crude" (whole plant) extracts in capsules...”

Cholecystitis

...related topic
“...Cholecystalgia: Cramps or tenesmus of the gall bladder or bile ducts.”

Clostridium Difficile Infection

...the condition
“...Bad bacteria release toxins, which lead to a variety of symptoms, including ... Mild to severe lower abdominal tenderness/cramps/pain...”

Coffee

...as a treatment
“...Poisonous doses of coffee or caffeine can cause delirium, semi-consciousness, a slow and irregular pulse, cold extremities and cold, clammy perspiration, lowered temperature, anesthesia, cramps, tremors, staggering (a drunken gait), head nodding, convulsions, dimness of vision, increased urine production...”

Colic

...related topic
Cramping or spasms of a smooth muscle tube, such as the uterus (menstrual cramps) the ureters (passing kidney stones) or the stomach (stomach ache).”

Colitis

...related topic
“...Mucus colitis is a type with cramps, periods of constipation, and copious discharge of mucus with feces...”

Compartment Syndrome

...the condition
“...Compartment syndrome usually occurs in the lower leg and includes one or more of the following symptoms ... Aching, burning or cramping pain, increasing when the muscle is used...”

Corticosteroids

...as a treatment
“...Anyone who is taking corticosteroids and has any of the symptoms listed below should check with the physician who prescribed the medicine as soon as possible ... Muscle cramps, weakness, or pain...”

Cramp Bark

...as a treatment
“...The bark of Viburnum opulus has been historically known as Cramp Bark.  This small tree is found in Europe as well as North America and parts of Asia...”

Creatinine Monohydrate

...as a treatment
“...It can cause muscle cramping, which is easily combated by taking some extra magnesium.”

Cryptosporidium Infection

...the condition
“...Cryptosporidium infests public water systems and can cause widespread outbreaks of severe diarrhea and cramps.  It has been found in water supplies throughout the United States, and the disease it causes can prove fatal for people with weakened immune systems...”

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

...the condition
“...When symptoms occur, they include ... Leg, ankle or foot pain that often starts in the calf and may feel like cramping or a "charley horse"...”

Diarrhea

...the condition
“...Diarrhea is best defined as an abnormal looseness of the stool, and may include changes in stool frequency, consistency, urgency and continence, often with the related symptoms of cramping and bloating...”

Diuretics

...as a treatment
“...Muscle cramps or weakness...”

Diverticular Disease

...related topic
“...Diverticulosis may not cause any symptoms but could include mild cramps, bloating and constipation – all of which are common to other conditions such as IBS or ulcers...”

Dizziness

...the condition
“...Associated hand and foot cramping increase anxiety and perpetuate a cycle...”

Dysentery

...the condition
“...The symptoms of amebic dysentery are quite mild, with constipation and diarrhea alternating, combined with some intestinal cramping and gas.  People exposed to this parasite may experience mild or severe symptoms or no symptoms at all...”

Effects of a Low Carbohydrate Diet

...our question about Variations in bowel movements
“...The May 2004 Annals of Internal Medicine study showed that most of the Atkins Dieters had significantly more diarrhea, general weakness, rashes and muscle cramps.”

Endometrial Polyps

...the condition
“...As they grow bigger, they can push through the opening of the womb and cause bleeding and cramping.  When symptoms do occur, they usually include excessive bleeding during a menstrual period, or bleeding in between periods, or even spotting after intercourse...”

Endometriosis

...related topic
“...Symptoms typically occur in a cyclic fashion with menstrual periods, the most common being pelvic pain and cramping before and during periods; pain during intercourse; inability to conceive; fatigue; painful urination during periods; gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.”

Fecal Impaction

...the condition
“...The symptoms of fecal impaction include: chronic constipation; leakage of watery stool or liquid; abdominal discomfort; abdominal bloating; abdominal pain and cramping; straining when trying to pass stools; feeling the need to push; nausea; vomiting; headache; unexplained weight loss; weak appetite; hardened areas or masses in the abdomen; Symptoms of...”

Female Infertility

...the condition
“...Signs of ovulation include bloating and breast tenderness and, for some women, a slight cramping pain.  Unfortunately, many women experience no telltale signs...”

Fennel

...as a treatment
“...is a phytoestrogen that mildly mimics the female hormone, estrogen, and was once used to produce a synthetic version used in the treatment of bloating, breast tenderness, other PMS symptoms, and cramping.  Fennel seed extracts have proven to calm muscle spasms by reducing smooth muscle contractions...”

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

...the condition
“...Dong quai helps promote normal hormone balance and is particularly useful for women experiencing premenstrual cramping and pain.  Many doctors of natural medicine recommend 2-3 grams of dong quai capsules or tablets per day but research has yet to link dong quai to a reduction in symptoms of fibrocystic...”

Food Poisoning

...the condition
“...of these more serious food poisoning symptoms should also see a doctor: frequent vomiting; being unable to keep liquids down; diarrhea or other symptoms lasting more than 3-7 days; extreme pain or cramps; high fever; blurred vision or double vision; droopy eyelids; slowed or slurred speech; difficulty swallowing; dehydration excessive thirst; dry mouth; rapid heartbeat; little or no urination...”

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

...as a treatment
“...This activity has made GABA supplements one of the more useful substances for nerve-induced muscle spasms, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, trigger point pain, fibromyalgia, and some menstrual cramping.  The Merck index lists GABA as an anti-hypertensive...”

Gallbladder Disease

...our question about Dull or sharp upper abdomen pain worse after meals
“The pain can vary from a mild discomfort or dull throbbing, to a deep ache or cramp, to an excruciating sharp or stabbing pain.”

Gastroenteritis

...the condition
“...The most common symptoms include ... Abdominal pain/cramps...”

General Mineral Requirement

...the condition
“...Mineral deficiency can take the form of everything from a lowered immunity – causing frequent colds and flu – to muscle cramps, slow wound healing and fatigue...”

Ginger Root

...as a treatment
“...Stomach and Intestinal cramps from gas; Flatulence: It can relieve these, often quicker than any other herbal medicine...”

GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid)

...as a treatment
“...Studies suggest 480-960mg of GLA every day (2-4gm of borage oil) can offer relief from symptoms such as cramps, breast tenderness, water retention and irritability, and support hormonal production...”

Glomerulonephritis

...recommendation Vitamin E
“...Vitamin E is also sometimes "prescribed" for people with more advance renal failure who experience leg and foot cramps.  The evidence supporting this use is not strong either, but it is commonly used for this purpose.”

Heat Exhaustion

...the condition
“...Heat illnesses include ... Heat Cramps – caused by insufficient salt...”

Herniated Disc In Lower Back

...the condition
“...When this occurs in the lower back, the resulting symptoms can include ... Cramping or muscle spasms in the back and/or leg...”

High/Increased Fat Diet

...as a treatment
“...Rapidly adding large amounts of fat to the diet could result in physical symptoms such as cramping, bloating and diarrhea, so gradual increases are crucial...”

Horse Chestnut

...as a treatment
“...Related conditions include varicose veins, leg pain and itching, edema of the ankles, and leg cramps at night.  Varicose veins: Studies have shown that supplementing with horse chestnut seed extract may help relieve the pain and swelling associated with varicose veins...”

Horsetail Grass

...as a treatment
“...bronchitis, bruises, burns, bursitis, cancer-skin, circulatory problems, cirrhosis, edema, fracture, hair loss, heart disease, inflammation, intertrigo, kidney ailments, Lyme disease, muscle cramps, nail problems, obesity-diuretic tea, osteoporosis, Paget's disease, prostatitis, rickets, skin-oily, skin-wrinkles, sport injuries, sunburn.”

Hydrotherapy

...as a treatment
“...This form of treatment is recommended for foot and leg cramps, sore throat, cold, flu, nausea, insomnia, and chest or pelvic congestion...”

Hyponatremia (Low Blood Sodium Level)

...the condition
“...Symptoms of moderate hyponatremia include ... Muscle cramps/spasms/twitches...”

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

...the condition
“...In people with IBS, the urge may come sooner and be accompanied by cramps and diarrhea...”
...our question about Pain that is relieved by a bowel movement
“One of the most common IBS symptoms is abdominal pain, cramping or bloating that is partially or completely relieved by having a bowel movement.”
...relationship to Bacterial Dysbiosis
“...IBS has been studied in patients with diarrhea, cramps and specific food intolerances...”
...recommendation Valerian Root
“...It is effective against muscle spasms and cramps, including those in the digestive tract that are caused by IBS.”
...recommendation Smaller, More Frequent Meals
“Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea for those with IBS...”

Intermittent Claudication

...the condition
“...The pain of intermittent claudication has three characteristics ... It is a cramping pain in the calves that is brought on by exertion...”
...our question about Leg cramps caused by walking
“...Initial symptoms of intermittent claudication are pain, aching, cramping, or fatigue of the muscles in the lower limbs that develop during walking and are quickly relieved by rest...”

Intussusception

...the condition
“...Early symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and significant intermittent cramping abdominal pain...”
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More topics Related to Cramp

Kidney Stone

...related topic
“...Typically, a person feels a sharp, cramping pain in the back and side in the area of the kidney or in the lower abdomen...”

Lactose Intolerance

...the condition
“...The bacterial wastes combine with sugars to ferment into gas and toxins causing bloating and cramps.  Since lactose is found in mother's milk, almost all infants of nursing age are able to digest it...”
...related topic
“...Common symptoms, which begin about 30 minutes to two hours after consuming foods or beverages containing lactose, may include: nausea, cramps, bloating, gas and/or diarrhea...”
...our question about Bloating after meals
“...Symptoms include bloating, stomach pain, cramps, gas, or diarrhea...”

L-Arginine

...as a treatment
“...It has been exceedingly helpful in peripheral arterial disease in which the leg does not get enough blood for the exercising muscle, resulting in leg cramps.  L-Arginine prevents the build-up of cholesterol plaque and clots within all of our blood vessels...”

Leg Cramps At Night

...the condition
“Nocturnal leg cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of the calf muscles that occur during the night or while at rest...”
...relationship to Dehydration
“Dehydration may play a role in muscle cramping.”
...recommendation GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate)
“An IND (Investigational New Drug Application) has been filed with the FDA for GHB's proposed action on reducing nocturnal myoclonus (painful leg cramps at night).”
...recommendation Aerobic Exercise
“Exercise, such as riding an exercise bicycle for a few minutes before bedtime, can help prevent cramps from developing during the night, especially if a person does not get a lot of exercise during the day.”
...recommendation Magnesium
“Because of its nerve and muscle support, magnesium may also be helpful for muscle cramps.  Some people taking magnesium may get relief from leg cramps right away, but a long-standing deficiency can take weeks to overcome with supplements.”
...recommendation Vitamin E
“Nocturnal leg cramping often responds to 400-800 IU of vitamin E per day...”

Low Back Pain

...recommendation MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)
“Many have reported that the use of MSM has relieved chronic lower back pain and spasms/cramps.”

Maca

...as a treatment
“...It alleviates cramps, body pain, hot flashes, anxiety, mood swings, and depression...”

Magnesium

...as a treatment
“...Asthma, Gall Stones, Menstrual cramps, High blood pressure, Hyperactivity, Glucose intolerance – diabetes and hypoglycemia, Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Prevention of hearing loss, Kidney stones, Leg cramps, Migraine, Osteoporosis, PMS and Prostate health...”

Magnesium Requirement

...the condition
“...Signs of magnesium deficiency include confusion, disorientation, loss of appetite, depression, muscle contractions and cramps, tingling, numbness, abnormal heart rhythms, coronary spasm, and seizures...”

Mastocytosis

...the condition
“...Antihistamines reduce the effect of mast cell histamine, and anticholinergics relieve intestinal cramping.  A number of other treatments exist for specific symptoms of mastocytosis...”

Muscle Cramps / Twitching

...the condition
“...A deficiency could be causing tics, trembling or cramping.  The B-vitamins reduce stress-triggered trembling by calming the nervous system...”
...relationship to Mercury Toxicity (Amalgam Illness)
“Unusual tics or twitching of facial muscles have been associated with mercury toxicity, as well as with muscle cramps in cases of high occupational exposure to mercury.”
...relationship to Magnesium Requirement
“...Many cases of muscle cramps are caused by low concentrations of magnesium...”
...relationship to Hypoglycemia
“...one study (185 female, 115 male) found to have relative hypoglycemia (a drop of 20% or more below the fasting blood sugar level during a 6-hour glucose tolerance test), 23% had muscular twitching or cramps.”
...relationship to Guillain-Barre Syndrome
“Stiffness and cramping pain is common...”
...relationship to Effects of a Low Carbohydrate Diet
“The May 2004 Annals of Internal Medicine study showed that most of the Atkins Dieters had significantly more muscle cramps than the general population...”
...recommendation Conventional Drug Avoidance
“Medications such as diuretics or water pills can lead to cramping due to loss of sodium and potassium.”
...recommendation Magnesium
“Because of this function and its nerve and muscle support, magnesium may also be helpful for muscle cramps.”

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

...the condition
“...The pain felt is constant and is often burning and cramping, much like atypical facial pain symptoms...”

Ovarian Cysts

...recommendation Wild Yam
“...This support allows for better function of the uterus while working to prevent uterine cramping or spasms...”

Padma 28

...as a treatment
“...disorders with symptoms such as tingling, the sensation of insects crawling over the skin, the feeling of heaviness and tension in the arms and/or legs, numbness of the hands and feet, and calf cramps.  Padma 28 has shown promising results in the treatment of atherosclerosis, intermittent claudication, chronic active hepatitis, and infection of the respiratory tract...”

Painful Menstruation (Dysmenorrhea)

...recommendation Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
“In a well-designed controlled trial of 556 girls with moderate to severe menstrual cramping, vitamin B1 (100mg daily by mouth) for 3 months produced startling results...”
...recommendation Magnesium
“...In acute cases, magnesium and vitamin B6 intravenously can stop the cramping.  Restoring magnesium sufficiency by consistent supplementation can work to prevent this problem.”
...recommendation Aerobic Exercise
“Regular exercise can help minimize pain and cramping.”
...recommendation Inositol Hexaniacinate
“...of 80 women suffering from painful menstrual cramps who were supplemented with 100mg niacin twice daily, beginning 7 to 10 days before the onset of menses and then every 2 to 3 hours during heavy cramps.  90% of participants experienced significant relief...”

Panic Attacks

...the condition
“...Panic attacks are often associated with physical symptoms such as shaking, a feeling your heart is pounding or racing, sweating, chest pain, shortness of breath, a feeling of choking, nausea, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, an out-of-body sensation (a feeling of being apart from oneself), tingling in the hands, chills or hot flashes, and headache...”

Parasite Infection

...the condition
“...A combination of pumpkin seed, garlic, cramp bark, capsicum and thyme, can chase away tapeworms...”

Peripheral Vascular Disease

...the condition
“...Symptoms of PVD depend upon the location and extent of the blocked arteries and include ... Painful cramping in the hip, thigh or calf muscles after activity such as walking or climbing stairs (Intermittent claudication)...”

Poor Small Intestine Health

...the condition
“...Lactase deficiency can cause gas, nausea, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, asthma, congestion, on ingestion of dairy products...”

Pregnancy-Related Issues

...the condition
“...Magnesium – Nausea, Cramps, Edema And More...”
...recommendation Magnesium
“...Magnesium can also help treat pregnancy-related leg cramps and alleviate severe pre-eclampsia, a serious condition in which high blood pressure, edema and protein in the urine are present in pregnant women...”
...recommendation Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
“...Like magnesium, vitamin B6, together with vitamin B1, may also ease pregnancy-related leg cramps.  The U.S. RDA is 2.2mg.”

Premenstrual Syndrome

...the condition
“...Some physical symptoms of PMS include ... Cramps...”

Reduced Water Consumption

...as a treatment
“...Drinking an extreme excess of water can lead to water intoxication, with symptoms varying from headache, blurred vision, cramps, convulsions...”

Restless Leg Syndrome

...the condition
“...(RLS) is a metabolic sleep disorder that causes feelings in the legs that sufferers have described using words such as: tingling, numbness, pins and needles, tiredness, itching, uneasiness, pain, cramping, aching, burning, creeping, crawling, simply indescribable...”
...relationship to Hypoglycemia
“Based on afternoon glucose tolerance testing, many patients with RLS – particularly if they also have spontaneous leg cramps – appear to have hyperinsulinism causing functional 'hypoglycemia' during testing...”

Roundworm Infection

...the condition
“...Late (6-8 weeks after ingestion) GI symptoms resulting from mechanical irritation include vague abdominal complaints (i.e. cramping, nausea, vomiting); small bowel obstruction (mostly in children); pancreatitis (secondary to worm migration); cholecystitis (secondary to worm migration); appendicitis (less common, secondary...”

Scotch Broom

...as a treatment
“...Scotch broom is used for circulatory disorders, gout, leg cramps, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, phlebitis, thrombosis, and jaundice...”

Spinal Stenosis

...the condition
“...Cervical Stenosis symptoms ... numbness, tingling, cramping and/or weakness in hand(s), arm(s), foot/feet or leg(s)...”

Squawvine

...as a treatment
“...Women seeking relief for difficult or painful menstruation can combine squawvine with cramp bark and pasque flower...”

Stool Exam

...as a treatment
“...the cause of symptoms affecting the digestive tract, including prolonged diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, an increased amount of gas, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating, abdominal pain and cramping, and fever...”

Tenesmus

...related topic
“Tenesmus is the constant feeling of the need to empty the bowel or bladder, accompanied by pain, cramping and involuntary straining efforts.”

Trichinosis

...the condition
“...Additional symptoms include abdominal discomfort, cramping and diarrhea...”

Vitamin B1 Requirement

...the condition
“...Depression, irritability and reduced ability to concentrate are later followed by fatigue, muscle cramps and various pains...”

Vitamin B2 Requirement

...the condition
“...B2 is also used in the treatment of alcohol problems, ulcers, digestive difficulties, and leg cramps, and supplementing it may be advantageous for prevention or during treatment of cancer...”

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

...as a treatment
“...It stimulates circulation and for this reason may be helpful in treating leg cramps caused by circulatory deficiency; headaches, especially the migraine type; and Meniere's syndrome, associated with hearing loss and vertigo...”

Vitamin B6 Requirement

...the condition
“...include pain and stiffness in arms and hands, painful 'knots' on the last joints of the fingers, headaches, bad breath, dizziness, extreme nervousness, foul-smelling flatulence, burning pain and cramps in abdomen, lethargy, dizziness, swollen ankles, an itching red rash around genitals, nausea, sore lips, mouth and tongue, and "showers of dandruff"...”

Vitamin Pantothenic Acid Requirement

...the condition
“...Experimentally-induced human vitamin B5 deficiency has caused insomnia, leg cramps, paresthesias of the hands and feet, mental depression, decreased antibody formation, easy fatigue, gastrointestinal disturbance, and upper respiratory infections.”

Yeast / Candida Infection

...the condition
“...Genitourinary ... Cramps...”
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