What is Cramping?
Cramping is a sudden, involuntary contraction or over-shortening of the muscles. While it is true that cramps are generally temporary and non-muscle damaging, they may, however, cause significant pain, and with time, paralysis-like immobility of the muscle involved.
Cramps may either occur in a skeletal muscle or smooth muscle. When it occurs in a skeletal muscle, it is mostly caused by muscle fatigue. Cramps of smooth muscle may be caused by menstruation or gastroenteritis.