Minerals and electrolytes
Muscle tissue relies, in part, on a range of minerals, electrolytes and other chemicals in order to contract and relax. Some of these important substances include calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Inadequate diet, dehydration, vomiting and diarrhoea are just some of the factors that are thought to disturb the body’s balance of minerals and electrolytes, and make muscles more susceptible to cramping.
Tetany is a special form of cramping – it can be brought on by overbreathing, which results in a low level of carbon dioxide in the blood. It is usually caused by anxiety.
Risk factors
The exact cause of muscle cramp is not known, but risk factors may include:
* Tight, inflexible muscles
* Poor physical condition
* Poor muscle tone
* Inadequate diet
* Physical overexertion
* Physical exertion of cold muscles
* Muscle injury
* Muscle fatigue
* Excessive perspiration
* Dehydration – caused by, for example, a bout of gastroenteritis
* Reduced blood supply (ischaemia)
* Wearing high-heeled shoes for lengthy periods.
