From Medipol Esenler University Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Instructor Its member İlknur Topal made a statement about cramp formation and treatment methods.
From Medipol Esenler University Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Instructor Dr. İlknur Topal said, “If the skeletal muscle contracted to perform a certain movement is contracted again during relaxation, or if the relaxation signal cannot be sent from the brain to the muscle sufficiently, cramps occur. It is more common in the hind leg and lower leg. The cramp in the groin is hard to be felt. It has severe pain and immobilizes the person. It usually goes away on its own within a few seconds to 15 minutes. Cramps can be seen not only in motion but also at rest. Responses, especially seen at night and affecting the foot and calf muscles more frequently, are quite severe and may cause pain that will awaken them from sleep. said.
Stating that severe cramps that occur frequently at night or while resting, legs and feet should be investigated, Topal said that cramps are one of the body's first warning systems against important diseases such as kidney, heart, blood vessel, diabetes, thyroid, as well as vitamin deficiencies.
Dr. Instructor Its member İlknur Topal shared up-to-date information on the causes of sudden cramps and how to prevent them. Stating that cramps, which are usually seen in the legs and cause unbearable pain, should be evaluated by a physician, Dr. Lecturer İlknur Topal noted the following;
Excessive diarrhea, vomiting, dialysis, B1, B5, B6, and vitamin D deficiencies, smoking and alcohol use, diabetes, thyroid diseases, hyperparathyroidism, pregnancy, overweight, circulatory disorders due to varicose can cause cramps. Therefore, cramp should be seen as one of the first signals of the body against an important change, its causes should be investigated and appropriate treatment should be started.
Explaining the causes of cramps, Topal said, “First of all, we can count the inability to get enough elements and minerals with nutrition. Deficiency of minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium plays an important role. Deficiencies in these minerals can cause cramps. Another reason for cramps, especially during sports activities, is the loss of water and salt from the body through intense sweating and respiration during exercise. If the amount of salt needed by the body cannot be provided, signal transmission cannot be provided in the cells. This brings along cramps," he said.
Stating that cramps, which we see as involuntary pain or contraction in the muscles, are more common in athletes, Dr. Instructor Its member İlknur Topal stated that cramps can occur in every person.
Contrary to what is thought, Topal pointed out that when cramps develop, we need to provide stretching, not relaxation, and said, “The intense stretching we create in the muscle, by over-stimulating the tension receptors at the attachment of the tendons, allows the brain to give the relaxation signal. It can be beneficial in applying hot compresses and massages to the muscles. In addition, in order to prevent cramps, mineral supplements should be provided by considering the liquid electrolyte balance of the people.
Emphasizing that the athletes must warm up before the exercise, Topal said, “People who do sports after the warm-up should do stretching movements. In addition, it is important to ensure adequate electrolyte setup before intense training.” made evaluations.
MINERAL WATER, BANANA AND AVOCADO SUPPLEMENT FOR MUSCLES
Listing the foods that are beneficial in preventing cramps, Topal said, “Especially the consumption of mineral water can be beneficial in this regard. Bananas are a good source of potassium. Contains magnesium and calcium. Avocados are also an important source of potassium. Sweet potatoes, lentils and beans are also rich in magnesium. Melon is a rich source of potassium magnesium and calcium. Consumption of such foods will also be beneficial in preventing cramps.” gave his advice.
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