What are the causes of cramps?

They can also be caused by the area concerned being cooler than the rest of the body. I sometimes get night cramps and I think I reduce their frequency by avoiding salt during the day as much as possible so that I can have most of it in the evening using Low Sodium salt (which means additional potassium) and having in addition 1g calcium, 0.5g magnesium and 10micro-g vitamin D3 (a well-known commercial product is Crampex, but I use a cheaper alternative), again before going to bed, and a banana. This is based on a theory of mine that it may be a fall in the body level of these nutrients, rather than an actual physiological deficiency, that may induce cramps. Of course I also cover up properly in bed. Quinine is the prescribed medical treatment for cramps, but it is best avoided when you can.

Hmm, as far as we have tackled about cramps or muscle spasms in nursing class, here is how it goes. Haha, let me remember it right. Cramps are usually caused whenever that muscle is tensed, or you are overusing, or in other words, the muscle has been forced to do something that it can't take, causing it to contract. If your body has been lacking sufficient water that it needs, you would also experience cramps. Lacking of some minerals such as magnesium and protein are also the reasons why we experience cramps. Things to do, hmm. Well, about hydration, make sure you drink AT LEAST 8 glasses of water a day. Eat foods rich in magnesium and calcium. And most importantly, when doing a strenous activity, make sure you do stretchings first, that way, muscles will be more relaxed and less contracted, and there is a possibility that muscle spasms would be avoided. It's just a matter of how you use your muscles, and how they react to the activities that the body makes.

Menstral cramps are a result of your uterus contracting in order to expel the lining of the uterus so it can prepare for the next cycle. Leg and muscle cramps are often caused by a lack of potassium in your body, you can eat more bananas if you are having them on a regular basis to help prevent them.