Cramps

A sudden, involuntary and painful muscle spasm. Stretching and massaging the affected muscle can often relieve cramps.

Causes

During heat exhaustion. Body loses excessive amount of salt fluids. Chilling occurs during or following an exercise. Poor coordination of muscles during exercise.

Signs & Symptoms

* Pain.

* Feeling of tightness/spasm - contraction of muscles.

Aim

* To relieve spasm and pain.

Treatment

For cramp in the foot

1. Help casualty to stand with his weight on the front of his foot.

2. When the first spasm has passed, massage his foot.

For cramp in the calf (lower leg)

1. Straighten casualty's knee and draw foot firmly and steadily towards the skin. 2. Massage the muscles.

For cramp in the thigh (back of thigh)

1. Straighten casualty's knee by elevating leg. Massage the muscles firmly with fingers. (front of thigh)

2. Bend the knee and massage the muscles firmly with 2 fingers.

Also apply embrocation if possible. Massage towards body to allow blood to flow back to vital organs.