What are cramps?

A Muscle cramp is a sudden and involuntary muscle contractions or tightening that causes pain.

The most common types of cramps are the abdominal cramps and leg cramps.​

What Causes Cramping

Inadequate blood supply

Inadequate blood supply to muscle may leads to muscle cramping.

For example, menstrual cramps is triggered by an hormonal substance called prostaglandins. The hormonal-like substances causes the Uterus muscles to contract during menstruation.​

When the muscles of the uterus tightens, it inhibits stops the flow of blood to the walls of the uterus. There by causing pain.

Muscle Strain or Overuse

Muscle strain or over use is common during heavy lifting or rigorous exercise.

This is the same reason women who are pregnant also suffer from leg cramps and abdominal pain because of the excess weight they now carry.

Insufficient minerals and vitamins

Calcium, potassium and magnesium are important minerals that help the body to function properly. A deficiency in minerals may lead to muscle pain. 

Endometriosis

A common cause of pain in women is endometriosis. It occurs when the tissue in the lining of the uterus are found outside the uterus in places such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries and pelvic regions.

What do they feel like

​They are very similar to stomach pains, but in a lower position. They feel like aches, twinges in the lower abdomen, upper thighs and legs.

Period cramps occur in lower position than your tummy around your pelvic region. They can be mild or severe. Severe cramping may signify that you have a more serious health problem especially if it is accompanied by bleeding or spotting.

Implantation cramps occurs in early pregnancy and ovulation cramps are other forms of discomforts experienced by women in their lower abdominal area.

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