MUSCLE CRAMP.

Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle strain or simply holding a position for a prolonged period of time may result in a MUSCLE CRAMP. In many cases, however, the exact cause of a muscle cramp isn't known.


Although most MUSCLE CRAMPS are harmless, some may be related to an underlying medical condition, such as:

Inadequate blood supply. Narrowing of the arteries that deliver blood to your legs (arteriosclerosis of the extremities) can produce cramp-like pain in your legs and feet while you're exercising. These cramps usually go away soon after you stop exercising.
Nerve compression. Compression of nerves in your spine (lumbar stenosis) also can produce cramp-like pain in your legs. The pain usually worsens the longer you walk. Walking in a slightly flexed position — such as you would employ when pushing a shopping cart ahead of you — may improve or delay the onset of your symptoms.
Mineral depletion. Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in your diet can contribute to leg cramps. Diuretics — medications often prescribed for high blood pressure — may also deplete these minerals.

SYMPTOM:
Most MUSCLE CRAMPS develop in the leg muscles, particularly the muscles in the calf. In addition to the sudden, sharp pain, you may also be able to feel or see a hard lump of muscle tissue beneath your skin.


Cause severe discomfort
Are associated with leg swelling, redness or skin changes
Are associated with muscle weakness
Happen frequently
Don't improve with self-care
Aren't associated with an obvious cause, such as strenuous exercise

CAUSES

Injury or trauma – any kind of injury to the muscle can cause mild to severe muscle aching.
Overuse or overstretching – causes damage to the muscle fibers.
Polio – caused due to infection from poliovirus has special affinity for nerves.
Malaria – parasitic infection in which there is MUSCLE PAIN with high fever and intense chill.
Myopathy – it is a disease of muscles in which there is aching of muscles along with weakness.
Hyperthyroidism – with muscular weakness and weight loss.
Rabies – severe CNS infection causes muscular pain along with stiffness.
Arthritis – important cause of muscular pain along with joints.
Tetanus – disease caused by infection of bacteria clostridium tetani causes severe MUSCLE PAIN with twitching, stiffness and spasm.
Dengue fever – viral infection in which MUSCLE PAIN occurs along with high fever.
Typhoid fever – infection caused due to salmonella typhi, muscle pain with fever, headache, malaise and many other symptoms.
Muscular abscess – pain along with inflammation and collection of pus.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of MUSCLE CRAMPSinclude:

Age. Older people lose muscle mass, so the remaining muscle may get overstressed more easily. This may increase the risk for MUSCLE CRAMPS.
Dehydration. Athletes who become fatigued and dehydrated while participating in warm-weather sports frequently develop MUSCLE CRAMPS.
Pregnancy. MUSCLE CRAMPS also are more common during pregnancy.
Medical conditions. You may be at higher risk of MUSCLE CRAMPS if you have diabetes, or nerve, liver or thyroid disorders.

homoeopathic remedy:

Arnica montana
This remedy relieves lower back aches and stiffness from overexertion or minor trauma.

Bryonia
This remedy is indicated when back pain is worse from even the slightest motion. Changing position, coughing, turning, or walking may bring on sharp, excruciating pain. This remedy can be helpful for back pain after injury and backaches during illness.

Calcarea carbonica
This is often useful for low back pain and muscle weakness, especially in a person who is chilly, flabby or overweight, and easily tired by exertion. Chronic low back pain and muscle weakness may lead to inflammation and soreness that are aggravated by dampness and cold.

Calcarea phosphorica
Stiffness and soreness of the spinal muscles and joints, especially in the neck and upper back, may be relieved by this remedy. The person feels worse from drafts and cold, as well as from exertion. Aching in the bones and feelings of weariness and dissatisfaction are often seen in people who need this remedy.

Natrum muriaticum
Back pain that improves from lying on something hard or pressing a hard object (such as a block or book) against the painful area suggests a need for this remedy. The person often seems reserved or formal, but has strong emotions that are kept from others. Back pain from suppressed emotions, especially hurt or anger, may respond to Natrum muriaticum.

Nux vomica
This remedy is indicated for MUSCLE CRAMPS or constricting pains in the back. Discomfort is made worse by cold and relieved by warmth. Pain usually is worse night, and the person may have to sit up in bed to turn over. Backache is also worse during constipation, and the pain is aggravated when the person feels the urge to move the bowels.

Rhus toxicodendron
This remedy can be useful for pain in the neck and shoulders as well as the lower back, when the pain is worse on initial movement and improves with continued motion. Even though in pain, the person finds it hard to lie down or stay still for very long, and often restlessly paces about. Aching and stiffness are aggravated in cold damp weather and relieved by warm applications, baths or showers, and massage.

Sulphur
This remedy is often indicated when a person with back pain has a slouching posture. The back is weak and the person feels much worse from standing up for any length of time. Pain is also worse from stooping. Warmth may aggravate the pain and inflammation.
Other Remedies

Cimicifuga (also called Actaea racemosa)
Severe aching and stiffness in the upper back and neck, as well as the lower back—with pains that extend down the thighs or across the hips — may be eased with this remedy. It is often helpful for back pain during menstrual periods, with cramping, heaviness, and soreness. A person who needs this remedy typically is talkative and energetic, becoming agitated or depressed when ill.

Dulcamara
If back pain sets in during cold damp weather, along with catching a cold, or after getting wet and chilled, this remedy may be indicated. Stiffness and chills can be felt in the back, and pain is usually worse from stooping.

Ignatia
Back pains related to emotional upsets—especially grief—will often respond to this remedy. Thee muscles of the lower back may spasm, and twitches, drawing pains, and cramps often occur in other areas.
Kali carbonicum
Kali Carbonicum is a homeopathic medicine for lower back pain with the feeling that the knees are going to "give in."

Hypericum perforatum
This honeopathic remedy relieves lower back pain with sharp throbbing pain.
Ruta graveolens
This is used to relieve lower back pain caused or worsened by staying immobile.