Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Cramp shopping experience:
1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Cramp offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Cramp at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.
2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about
3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Cramp? Wrong! If the Cramp is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.
4. Questions - Got a question about Cramp then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....
5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Cramp? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Cramp and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.
6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Cramp wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.
7. Feedback - happy with your Cramp then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.
8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Cramp site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site
9. Contact - got a question about Cramp, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.
10. Payment - ready to pay for your Cramp, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.
Cramps are unpleasant, often painful, sensations caused by contraction or over shortening of muscles. Cramps can be caused by cold or overexertion. Illness or poisoning can also cause cramps, particularly in the
stomach, which is referred to as colic if it fits particular characteristics.
See also Delayed onset muscle soreness.
Causes
There are five basic causes of cramping:
hyperflexion; inadequate oxygenation; exposure to large changes in temperature; dehydration; or low blood
salt. Muscle-cramps Muscle Cramps at WebMD
Muscle cramps may also be a symptom/complication of pregnancy, kidney disease, thyroid disease,
hypokalemia or hypocalcemia (as conditions),
restless legs syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. Muscle-cramps Muscle Cramps at WebMD
Electrolyte disturbance may cause cramping and
tetany of muscles, particularly
hypokalemia (a low level of
potassium) and hypocalcemia (a low level of calcium in biology). This disturbance arises as the body loses large amounts of
interstitial fluid through sweat. This interstitial fluid is composed mostly of water and table salt (NaCl). The loss of osmotically active particles outside muscle cells(NaCl) leads to a disturbance of the osmotic balance and swelling of muscle cells as these contain more osmotically active particles. This causes the calcium pump between the muscle lumen and
sarcoplasmic reticulum to short circuit and the calcium ions remain bound to the tropomyosin and the
muscle contraction is continued.
Treatment
Muscle cramps can be treated by applying a soft massage on the cramped muscle, stretching the muscle and applying heat or cold. Heat improves superficial blood circulation and makes muscles more flexible, so some people find that heat is more soothing for muscle cramps than applying ice. Application of excessive heat or cold to sore muscles may bring on cramps. Pounding on a cramped muscle can increase soreness.
- In the case of inadequate oxygenation, excess lactic acid, produced by anaerobic respiration, builds up and stresses the muscle. In addition to the methods described above, cramps from poor oxygenation can be improved by rapid deep breathing.
- Cramps from lack of water and/or salt can be treated, of course, by drinking water and/or increasing salt intake, respectively.
There is no scientific evidence to support the widely held claim by the sports nutrition industry that intake of specially composed and intensely marketed electrolyte drinks has any advantage over intake of plain table salt (via drink or food) and water to counter these electrolyte disturbances and muscle cramps in people with a well-functioning renal system.
Eating foods high in
potassium, such as bananas, potatoes, and
Prune (fruit), can help prevent muscle cramps. Ohio State University Extension: News Chow Line: Potassium-rich foods deter muscle cramps
Specific Types of Cramps
Smooth Muscle Cramps
Smooth muscle contractions lie at the heart of the cramping (or
colicky) pain of internal organs. These include the intestine,
uterus, ureter (in
kidney stone pain) and various others.
Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cycle is also highly likely to cause cramps of varying severity in the abdomen that may radiate to the lower back and thighs. Menstrual cramps can be treated with ibuprofen, paracetamol or
paracetamol, stretching exercises or the application of heat through such means as warm baths or heating pads. Menstrual cramps that do not respond to self-treatment can be a symptom of
endometriosis or other health problems.
Skeletal Muscle Cramps
Skeletal muscles are muscles that can be voluntarily controlled. Of the skeletal muscles, those which cramp the most often are the Calf muscle,
thighs, and arches of the foot. These cramps are seemingly associated with strenuous activity and can be intensely painful.
Nocturnal Leg Cramps
Nocturnal leg cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that occur in the Calf muscle,
soles of the
feet, or other muscles in the body during the night or (less commonly) while resting. The duration of nocturnal leg cramps is highly variable with cramps sometimes only lasting a few seconds and other times several minutes. Soreness in the muscles may remain for some time after the cramp ends. These cramps are more common in older people but may happen to anyone. They can happen quite frequently in teenagers and in some people while they are exercising at night. Nocturnal leg cramps can be very painful especially if the person is dehydrated.
The precise cause of these cramps is unclear. Potential contributing factors are believed to include low levels of certain minerals (magnesium, potassium,
calcium and
sodium);
dehydration; and prolonged sitting. Less common causes include more serious conditions or use of drugs.
Nocturnal leg cramps may be relieved by stretching the affected leg straight out and pointing the toes upward. People report that quickly standing up and walking a few steps may also shorten the duration of a cramp.
See also
References
External links
- What are Cramps?
- Cramps at Patient UK
- Leg cramps at night
Cramps are unpleasant, often painful, sensations caused by contraction or over shortening of muscles. Cramps can be caused by cold or overexertion. Illness or poisoning can also cause cramps, particularly in the
stomach, which is referred to as colic if it fits particular characteristics.
See also Delayed onset muscle soreness.
Causes
There are five basic causes of cramping:
hyperflexion; inadequate oxygenation; exposure to large changes in temperature; dehydration; or low blood
salt. Muscle-cramps Muscle Cramps at WebMD
Muscle cramps may also be a symptom/complication of pregnancy, kidney disease, thyroid disease,
hypokalemia or hypocalcemia (as conditions),
restless legs syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. Muscle-cramps Muscle Cramps at WebMD
Electrolyte disturbance may cause cramping and
tetany of muscles, particularly hypokalemia (a low level of
potassium) and
hypocalcemia (a low level of
calcium in biology). This disturbance arises as the body loses large amounts of interstitial fluid through sweat. This interstitial fluid is composed mostly of water and table salt (NaCl). The loss of osmotically active particles outside muscle cells(NaCl) leads to a disturbance of the osmotic balance and swelling of muscle cells as these contain more osmotically active particles. This causes the calcium pump between the muscle lumen and sarcoplasmic reticulum to short circuit and the calcium ions remain bound to the tropomyosin and the muscle contraction is continued.
Treatment
Muscle cramps can be treated by applying a soft massage on the cramped muscle, stretching the muscle and applying heat or cold. Heat improves superficial blood circulation and makes muscles more flexible, so some people find that heat is more soothing for muscle cramps than applying ice. Application of excessive heat or cold to sore muscles may bring on cramps. Pounding on a cramped muscle can increase soreness.
- In the case of inadequate oxygenation, excess lactic acid, produced by anaerobic respiration, builds up and stresses the muscle. In addition to the methods described above, cramps from poor oxygenation can be improved by rapid deep breathing.
- Cramps from lack of water and/or salt can be treated, of course, by drinking water and/or increasing salt intake, respectively.
There is no scientific evidence to support the widely held claim by the sports nutrition industry that intake of specially composed and intensely marketed electrolyte drinks has any advantage over intake of plain table salt (via drink or food) and water to counter these electrolyte disturbances and muscle cramps in people with a well-functioning renal system.
Eating foods high in
potassium, such as
bananas, potatoes, and Prune (fruit), can help prevent muscle cramps. Ohio State University Extension: News Chow Line: Potassium-rich foods deter muscle cramps
Specific Types of Cramps
Smooth Muscle Cramps
Smooth muscle contractions lie at the heart of the cramping (or
colicky) pain of internal organs. These include the
intestine,
uterus, ureter (in
kidney stone pain) and various others.
Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cycle is also highly likely to cause cramps of varying severity in the
abdomen that may radiate to the lower back and thighs. Menstrual cramps can be treated with
ibuprofen, paracetamol or paracetamol, stretching exercises or the application of heat through such means as warm baths or heating pads. Menstrual cramps that do not respond to self-treatment can be a symptom of endometriosis or other health problems.
Skeletal Muscle Cramps
Skeletal muscles are muscles that can be voluntarily controlled. Of the skeletal muscles, those which cramp the most often are the
Calf muscle,
thighs, and arches of the foot. These cramps are seemingly associated with strenuous activity and can be intensely painful.
Nocturnal Leg Cramps
Nocturnal leg cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that occur in the
Calf muscle,
soles of the
feet, or other muscles in the body during the night or (less commonly) while resting. The duration of nocturnal leg cramps is highly variable with cramps sometimes only lasting a few seconds and other times several minutes. Soreness in the muscles may remain for some time after the cramp ends. These cramps are more common in older people but may happen to anyone. They can happen quite frequently in teenagers and in some people while they are exercising at night. Nocturnal leg cramps can be very painful especially if the person is dehydrated.
The precise cause of these cramps is unclear. Potential contributing factors are believed to include low levels of certain minerals (
magnesium,
potassium,
calcium and
sodium);
dehydration; and prolonged sitting. Less common causes include more serious conditions or use of drugs.
Nocturnal leg cramps may be relieved by stretching the affected leg straight out and pointing the toes upward. People report that quickly standing up and walking a few steps may also shorten the duration of a cramp.
See also
References
External links
- What are Cramps?
- Cramps at Patient UK
- Leg cramps at night
CRAMP - Crediton Rural Arts and Music Project - Homepage
CRAMP - Crediton Rural Arts & Music Project is a not-for-profit group that aims to increase the range of opportunities for local people to be involved in music and the arts.
Definition: cramp from Online Medical Dictionary
The Online Medical Dictionary is a searchable dictionary of definitions from medicine, science and technology.
Cramp-Eze - The Natural Remedy For Night-time Leg Cramps
The All Natural, Organic Remedy For Painful Night-time Leg Cramps. Cramp-Eze is a simple, yet very effective remedy for relief from the agony of painful, night-time leg cramps ...
What is a muscle cramp? - Health Questions - NHS Direct
What is a muscle cramp? ... A muscle cramp is a painful spasm of your muscle. It's caused by a prolonged tightening of that muscle, leading to it being shortened.
Sport training equipment,discount sport equipment, sport equipment ...
karl cramp sports specialists for training equipment,discount sport equipment we are a sport equipment store wwiht a wide range of products from slazenger tennis racquets and ...
BBC - Health - Ask the doctor - Cramp
Why cramp occurs and tips on avoiding it. ... Leg cramps are a common problem, especially as people get older. The term cramp is used to describe various pains, but mostly refers ...
BBC iPlayer - Search results for The Cramp Twins
Animation about ten-year-old twins Wayne and Lucien Cramp, brothers who are complete opposites of one another. The twins go and stay with their Grandma.
cramp - Hutchinson encyclopedia article about cramp
It was a common trick with the boys--particularly if a stranger was present--to pretend a cramp and howl for help; then when the stranger came tearing hand over hand to the rescue ...
Writer's Cramp
Frank Swales' homepage for the promotion of all writing: novels, stories, one-liners, writers' resources, tips and links.
Crampex | Don't let cramp tie you up in knots
DON'T LET CRAMP TIE YOU UP IN KNOTS. Cramp is a sudden contraction, or spasm, of the muscles which is accompanied by a "knotting" pain.
