Muscle cramps are involuntary contractions or spasms of one or more muscles that can be minor to extremely painful. They frequently appear unexpectedly and might last from a few seconds to several minutes.
In the event of a cramp, the first line of defense is to gently stretch and massage the injured muscle, provide heat, and refill fluids and electrolytes. Muscle cramps can be induced by several causes, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, muscle exhaustion, hot and humid environments, poor conditioning, and insufficient warm-up or stretching.
Because of the strenuous demands of their training and competition schedules, professional athletes are especially prone to muscular cramps.
Athletes should prioritize appropriate hydration to maintain optimal electrolyte balance to fight muscle cramps.
Adequate fluid consumption is critical before, during, and after exercise, especially in hotter climes where sweating can contribute to electrolyte loss.
A full warm-up regimen that includes dynamic stretching should be included in addition to fluids to prepare muscles for strenuous activity.
Regular conditioning and strength training can also help reduce muscle fatigue and cramping during competition. Athletes may benefit from dietary supplements in some circumstances to correct specific electrolyte deficiencies.