Aleyna Tilki, one of the famous names of the magazine world, was taken to the hospital after getting sick recently. In a statement to the press, she stated that her whole body was locked and she could not walk without assistance. What is this disease of Aleyna Tilki, which is the subject of curiosity in all the media? Recently, it has been revealed that this disease, which is very common in many famous names such as Aleyna Tilki and Hazal Kaya, is muscle spasm. So what is muscle spasm? Istanbul Okan University Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist. Dr. Kaya Akan told me.
Muscle spasm, twitching or cramps are involuntary contractions of the muscles in our body. Our muscles are made up of fibers that are controlled by our nerves. Whether contractions are caused by nerve stimulation or for different reasons, they are frequently seen in different parts of our body.
Areas where Muscle Spasm is Common in the Body
- Foot
- Calf area – legs
- arms
- thighs
- abdominal area
- Thoracic cage – in the intercostal muscles
Minor spasms are called twitching or fasciculation. They are more common in the face and eye muscles in situations such as looking at the screen for a long time, anxiety, panic.
What Causes Muscle Spasms?
- Insufficient pre-exercise stretching
- muscle fatigue
- exercising in the heat
- Thirst (dehydration)
- mineral deficiency
- staying in a certain position for a long time
While muscle spasms or cramps are harmless, in some cases they can indicate an underlying medical condition:
- Insufficient blood flow: Cramp-like pain in the legs, especially during long walking or exercise, and after resting may indicate vascular narrowing. It is beneficial for those who smoke, have diabetes and have cardiovascular problems to have it checked.
- Nerve compressions: People with spinal canal narrowing, called lumbar stenosis, may experience cramps and pain as the walking distance increases.
- Mineral depletion: low potassium, calcium or magnesium in your foods can lead to muscle cramps. Diuretics-diuretics found in some drugs that lower blood pressure can reduce these minerals.
Some people are more susceptible to muscle spasms than others. Those at risk:
- old ones
- athletes
- those who are overweight
- pregnant women
- Those with thyroid disease
Treatment of Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms usually resolve spontaneously. Although their stoppage ranges from a few seconds to minutes, they end without the need for treatment. Drinking water immediately can be a solution for those who are thirsty.
if you have a painful cramp
- First, stop the activity that causes the contraction – for example, jogging.
- Gently massage the cramped muscle.
- Begin to stretch gently.
- If not, try to loosen it with a hot towel or bag.
- If there is pain after relaxation, apply cold for a short time (3-5 minutes) to reduce muscle edema.
prof. Dr. Kaya Akan, ‘If your calf muscle cramps, bend the knee slightly and put weight on that side. With this method, the muscle will be stretched and the spasm will be resolved. If the quadriceps muscle cramps in the front of the thigh, hold your leg and try to fold it from behind.
To prevent it, it is recommended to drink plenty of water, stretch well before sports or walking, or avoid repetitive movements. It will be helpful for those with night cramps to do some stretching before going to bed.
If you think that there is a neurological condition underlying the spasms and contractions, it is useful to consult your doctor. Likewise, it is recommended that those with thyroid and liver cirrhosis and metabolic disorders should seek medical advice.
Source: (BHA) – Beyaz News Agency
