Talk:Cramp
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I replaced the text below as it comes virtually word for word from a page linked to by the article (http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/what-are-cramps.shtml)
"Nocturnal leg cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of the calves that occur during the night or while at rest. Occasionally, muscles in the soles of the feet also become cramped. The sensation can last a few seconds or up to 10 minutes, but the soreness may linger. The cramps can affect persons in any age-group, but they tend to occur in middle-aged and older populations".
Robertbrockway 07:45, 22 July 2005 (UTC)
Cramp is also a tool, but I'm afraid I don't know enough English to tell much more about it, see in stead
Salaman, R. A.: Dictionary of Woodworking tools ISBN 0-04-440256-2
--Baskholm 10:31, 31 July 2005 (UTC)
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[edit] Misinformation
Cramping is NOT caused by lactic acid, it's caused by acidosis of the muscle cells because the pH buffers become overloaded from rapid ATP synthesis. See the lactic acid article for more information. Your gym teacher and average uneducated athlete will beg to differ but science doesn't lie. There's no properties of lactic acid that would cause the burning and cramping sensation associated with oxygen shortage. Also reading about the enzyme ATP synthase will also provide more evidence that a low pH condition is the culprit.
I will substitute this information in one week and provide a source. --Novaprospekt 02:21, 27 May 2007 (UTC)
[edit] Reorg needed
I think that this article needs serious reorganization, something like:
- intro (definition)
- fundamental mechanism (deficiency in water, minerals)
- practical causes (menstruation, overexertion, nocturnal, disease)
- treatment (massage, ibuprofen, etc.)
But I don't know enough to be sure this makes sense. For example, is the distinction between smooth and skeletal muscle important? Is the fundamental mechanism the same? Lastly, is ibuprofen the only treatment? Why doesn't aspirin, etc. treat it? Joshuardavis 17:36, 5 March 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Cures
Regarding nocturnal leg cramps, an instant cure is to reach over and pull back on your toes. I'm not sure why it works (I guess it stretches the muscle and allows it to breathe) but it does and makes the pain go away almost immediately. Good luck trying to remember to do this when you're woken up in the middle of the night from it. Last night I forgot. : (
I was advised to stand on my leg and walk around after I got a cramp while watching David Letterman last night. I tried it, since the friend who recommended it went to a massage college, and it worked great. My advice would be the same, stand up, and walk around. --69.247.169.233 00:26, 27 August 2006 (UTC)
Some friends and I were discussing this problem and one said he made a loop in a string above the ankle of the offending leg while another said he simply used a rubber band. Both swore that this simple cure worked and I tried it and it worked. I suggested my wife try it and it also worked. I can't explain why, all I know is that it works. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.60.107.254 (talk) 01:58, 28 February 2008 (UTC)
[edit] Better sources
I think this article should have more reputable sources (i.e. no digitalnaturopath.com) Start with http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/musclecramps.html
[edit] personal experience
I had some severe leg cramps last night so I searched the subject and melded it with my personal experience of the last several years. Proba 18:11, 29 July 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Vandalism
Is this vandalism? (In the menstruation section) ' If Ricky DeCesare is experiencing severe cramps, he should consult a gynecologist. ' Googled the name, couldn't find it. Will delete, I think it's fairly obvious it's vandalism, if not reinstate it. Srxcef 15:28, 10 September 2006 (UTC)
Oooh, it appears someone's beaten me to it. Thanks:) Srxcef 15:29, 10 September 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Nocturnal Leg Cramps
"An unrelated condition is restless legs syndrome, an unpleasant sensation that is relieved by moving the leg, but which rarely includes cramping or pain."--If it's unrelated, why mention it? Koberulz 12:24, 25 May 2007 (UTC)
Because the cure is the same FinalWish 02:29, 7 August 2007 (UTC)
[edit] Dangers of cramps
I think the sudden extreme pain and resulting loss of judgment and decision-making ability associated with cramps should be mentioned. This can be dangerous when encountered in situations such as swimming, driving, or biking. More expansion on how cramps can be caused by overextending muscles, such as when yawning, would be nice.
