Initially, muscle cramps may sound like a very minor problem.
However, they can actually be very painful.
During cramps, there is an excessive and overextended contraction of the muscle.
A person's leg muscle is the most likely to suffer fro cramps.
Cramps can be caused by a lot of different reasons, but the most common is poor diet, and the failure to properly warm up before exercising.
A few of the other causes associated with cramps include not drinking enough water, not eating enough potassium, having a sodium imbalance, sitting stationary for long periods of time, or not having enough vitamins.
Some studies have also shown that build up of lactic acid, repetitive motions, low circulation and hot weather are also factors contributing to muscle cramps.
Although muscle cramps are fairly common, they are rather easy to get rid of as well.
There is no permanent damage left on the body, and the pain itself goes away pretty quickly.
You should be wary however if the pain originates in the lower right region of your stomach, as this may indicate a symptom of appendicitis.
You should get this checked right away if you suspect having this illness.
A great way to check is to push into your stomach.
If there is only pain when you release after pushing in, you should get it examined by a physician as soon as possible.
Some of the most commonly used methods to get rid of cramps include applying heat to the area either via a heat compress or by taking a nice long bath.
You can choose to add Epsom salt to the water as this will help to naturally sooth your muscles.
Massaging wintergreen oil onto the cramp and drinking tonic water before sleeping helps.
Finally, eating enough vitamin E and stretching the cramp out are also great ways to treat muscle cramps.
In order to prevent muscle cramps, be sure to avoid all the causes of muscle cramps.
Eating a proper diet, taking in enough fluids and water and moving around all help tremendously in preventing cramps.
It's important to stay active and stretched properly before handling any strenuous activities.