Calf Cramp

A cramp is an involuntary and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. Cramps can affect any muscle under your voluntary control (skeletal muscle). Muscles that span two joints are most prone to cramping. Cramps can involve part or all of a muscle, or several muscles in a group. The most commonly affected muscle groups are:

• Back of lower leg/calf (gastrocnemius)
• Back of thigh (hamstrings)
• Front of thigh (quadriceps)

Cramps in the feet, hands, arms, abdomen, and along the rib cage are also very common. Although the exact cause of muscle cramps is unknown (idiopathic), some researchers believe inadequate stretching and muscle fatigue leads to abnormalities in mechanisms that control muscle contraction. Other factors may also be involved, including poor conditioning, exercising or working in intense heat, dehydration and depletion of salt and minerals (electrolytes).

• Stop doing whatever activity triggered the cramp.
• Gently stretch and massage the cramping muscle, holding it in stretched position until the cramp stops.
• Apply heat to tense/tight muscles, or cold to sore/tender muscles.

Main Functions of Ares Kinesiology Tape

• May relieve pain and muscle fatigue
• May improve circulation and lymphatic flow via superficial activation while reducing inflammation
  
• May correct muscle function through reduction of muscle tension and strengthening of the weakened muscle
• May correct misalignment of joints
• May work with the body to allow and increase normal range of motion
• May normalize length/tension ratios to create optimal force
• May assist and improve tissue recovery
• May decrease inflammation and pressure on mechanical recept