Muscle cramps painful yet common in sports
E A M players are fresh from rest and unfortunately they won’t have enough time for pre season which normally is six weeks due to the effects of COVID-19.
Today we are looking at muscle cramps. Muscle cramps are painful, spasmodic and involuntary contraction of skeletal muscle that occur during or immediately after exercise. Skeletal muscle cramps that occur during or shortly following exercise in healthy individuals with no underlying disease are known as exercise -associated muscle cramps (EAMC).
Skeletal muscle cramping is one of the most common conditions that require medical attention during or immediately after sports events. Muscle cramping is particularly common in endurance events, such as marathon. However, muscle cramping is also well documented in many other sports, including football, basketball, rugby, tennis, cricket, and cycling.
This problem typically happens only during extreme exertion and is far more common during games than during training sessions. Some players frequently experience cramps while others do not.
As a result, it seems likely that there is a genetic component to cramp a predisposing gene has also been identified. The fact that many players describe a family history of cramp also supports this hypothesis. Older players also seem to be at an increased risk of cramping. There is very little evidence to support the widely held belief that cramping is caused by either dehydration or electrolyte abnormalities. It appears to be a direct consequence of muscle fatigue.
Risk
Tfactors for muscle cramps
History of EAMC
Increased exercise intensity
Shorter daily stretching time Irregular stretching habits
Positive family history of cramping
Sign and symptoms
Recognised by acute pain, stiffness, visible bulging or knotting of the muscle, and possible soreness that can last for several days
How to diagnose?
Muscle cramping in athletes has a typical clinical presentation and the diagnosis is made based on a typical history together with findings on clinical examination.
Rarely, special investigations are required to exclude other possible causes.
Treatment
The acute, onfield management of muscle cramps involves stretching the involved muscle with contraction of the antagonist. Once the player has developed cramping, however, it is very likely that they will be substituted.
How can athletes prevent cramps?
Make sure that they are well trained and prepared for their match
Keep to a similar match intensity, and duration, during training sessions Do regular passive stretching during a match as this can be helpful – for example when the ball is out of play at a corner or during a substitution
Remain well hydrated and fueled and ensure adequate carbohydrate intake this will help to prevent fatigue. A physically fit team does not have many injuries thus fitness coaches need to work hand in hand with team medics to optimise performance and avoid unnecessary injuries. Till next week, God bless you all!