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A muscle cramp is usually harmless and ceases after a few minutes. It is typically caused by ion imbalance or muscle overload. There are other causes of involuntary muscle contractions, and some of these may cause a health problem. A series of spasms, or permanent spasms, is referred to as a "spasmism".
A cramp is a sudden, involuntary, painful skeletal muscle contraction [1] [2] or overshortening associated with electrical activity; [3] while generally temporary and non-damaging, they can cause significant pain and a paralysis-like immobility of the affected muscle.
This meaning implies that the primary defect is within the muscle, as opposed to the nerves ("neuropathies" or "neurogenic" disorders) or elsewhere (e.g., the brain). This muscular defect typically results in myalgia (muscle pain), muscle weakness (reduced muscle force), or premature muscle fatigue (initially normal, but declining muscle force).
Myalgia or muscle pain is a painful sensation evolving from muscle tissue. It is a symptom of many diseases . The most common cause of acute myalgia is the overuse of a muscle or group of muscles ; another likely cause is viral infection , especially when there has been no injury .
Exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMC) are defined as cramping (painful muscle spasms) during or immediately following exercise. [1] [2] [3] Muscle cramps during exercise are very common, even in elite athletes. EAMC are a common condition that occurs during or after exercise, often during endurance events such as a triathlon or marathon.
Cramp fasciculation syndrome (CFS) is a rare [1] peripheral nerve hyperexcitability disorder. It is more severe than the related (and common) disorder known as benign fasciculation syndrome ; it causes fasciculations , cramps, pain, fatigue, and muscle stiffness similar to those seen in neuromyotonia (another related condition). [ 2 ]
The term "fibromyalgia" was derived from Neo-Latin fibro-, meaning "fibrous tissues"; Greek μυο- myo-, "muscle"; and Greek άλγος algos, "pain"; thus, the term literally means "muscle and fibrous connective tissue pain". [20] Thus arguably this term is inaccurate and misleading, as it only reflects a part of the syndrome symptom set. [21]
One type of antispasmodics is used for smooth muscle relaxation, especially in tubular organs of the gastrointestinal tract. The effect is to prevent spasms of the stomach, intestine or urinary bladder. Both dicyclomine and hyoscyamine are antispasmodic due to their anticholinergic action.