True Cramps
Muscles cramps that occur in a muscle group that acts together for an intended movement or contraction.
They occur more often during very hot conditions in which the athlete has not yet adapted and experiences an excessive fluid loss from perspiration. This kind of dehydration increases the likelihood of muscle cramps.
Depletion of body fluids from diuretics (medicine that promote urination) and poor fluid intake may cause muscle cramp as well. Sodium depletion has also been associated with cramps. Loss of sodium, the most abundant chemical constituent of body fluids outside the cell, is usually a function of dehydration during exercise low blood levels of either calcium or magnesium directly increase the excitability of both the nerve endings and the muscles they stimulate.
This may lead to spontaneous cramps seen in any circumstance that decreases the availability of calcium or magnesium in body fluids.
Contractures
Contractures are very uncommon and result when the muscles are unable to relax.
Constant spasms are caused by a depletion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an energy chemical within the cell. This prevents muscle fiber relaxation and the nerves become inactive in this form of muscle spasm.
Dystonic cramps
Dystonic cramps are muscle cramps that occur in the muscles that are not needed for the intended movement of contraction.
Muscles that are affected by this type of cramping including those that work in the opposite direction of the intended movement. Some dystonic cramps usually affect small groups of muscles (eyelids, jaws, neck, larynx, etc.).
The hands and arms may be affected during the performance of repetitive activities such as those associated with handwriting (writer's cramp), typing, playing certain musical instruments, and many others. Each of these repetitive activities may also produce "true" cramps from muscle fatigue. Dystonic cramps are not as common as "true" cramps.
Can vitamin deficiencies cause muscle cramps?
Several vitamin deficiency states may directly or indirectly lead to muscle cramps. These include deficiencies of thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6). The role of deficiency of these vitamins in causing cramps is unknown.
How can I make my muscle cramps go away?
Most cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched. Muscle cramping can possibly be prevented with oral magnesium, calcium and potassium initake are adequate by ensuring that you are eating a diet that is adequate for you. If muscle cramping continues to persist for a long period of time or is severe you need to see a certified physician.