cramp
(kramp 
)
- A pain, usually sudden and intermittent, of almost any area of the body, esp. abdominal and pelvic viscera.
SEE: dysmenorrhea.
- A painful, involuntary skeletal muscle contraction.
SEE: systremma.
Treatment: Therapy depends on the cause and location of the cramp. In muscular cramps, the muscle is extended and compressed, and heat and massage are applied.
artisan's c.A cramp of one of the intrinsic muscles of the hand , esp. after overuse.
SEE: focal dystonia.
dehydration c.Skeletal muscle spasm caused by the excess fluid and /or electrolyte loss that occurs with profuse sweating. The usual muscles affected are those used during work, i.e., the hand , arm, or leg muscles. The cramps may come on during work or up to 18 hr after completing a work shift.
The patient should be rehydrated by drinking cool water or an electrolyte-containing drink, such as diluted juice or a commercially marketed sports drink. The severity of the cramp can be decreased through passive stretching and /or massage of the muscle. Severe dehydration cramps may require the use of an intravenous electrolyte solution, such as normal saline or Ringer solution.
Dehydration cramps may be prevented by maintaining proper hydration by drinking water or commercial electrolyte drinks before and during exposure to hot, humid environments. Normal dietary amounts of electrolytes and salt should be encouraged during meals.
menstrual c.An abdominal cramp associated with menstruation.
SEE: dysmenorrhea.
muscle c.A painful, involuntary muscle contraction. It may be due to ischemia of the muscle(s), dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance.
Cramps associated with exercise may be alleviated, if not abolished, by flexing (stretching) the involved muscle group. At the same time, gentle massage to the area will help. Quinine, methocarbamol, chloroquine, and other drugs may help to relieve recurring or unrelenting muscle cramps.
Active muscle cramps, an unwanted tonic contraction that accompanies a voluntary muscle contraction, occur when the muscle is already in its most shortened position.
occupational c.A form of focal dystonia in which agonist and antagonist muscles contract at the same time. This can occur in writers, pianists, typists, and almost any occupation; they are not considered to have an emotional basis.
Rest from the specific task and administration of anticholinergics and benzodiazepine may provide temporary relief.
SEE: focal dystonia.
pianist's c.Spasm, or occupational neurosis, of muscles of fingers and forearms from piano playing.
SEE: focal dystonia.
shoemaker's cramp A spasm of the muscles of the hand and arm, esp. after repetitive use.
tailor's c.An occupational syndrome marked by overuse of and spasm of the muscles of the arms and hand s.
volitional c.A muscle cramp that occurs during an intended movement of a part of the body.
writer's c.A cramp after prolonged writing affecting muscles of the thumb and two adjacent fingers.
SEE: focal dystonia.