1. What causes cramps?
The scientific answer is over-exertion of the muscle(s). However the underlying cause of cramps is unknown at the cellular, biochemical, physiology levels. Exercising, injury, overuse of muscles, pregnancy, menstrual cycles, decreased amounts of minerals (e.g. calcium, magnesium potassium or sodium), exposure to cold temperatures, various medical conditions (e.g. blood flow problems, kidney disease, thyroid disease or multiple sclerosis), standing for a long time on a hard surface, sitting for a long time, awkward positions while sleeping, dehydration or certain medications have been associated with cramps. There is no common cause.
2. Is there a difference between night time (nocturnal) cramps and exercise related cramps?
Both are associated with over-exertion of the muscles and more specifically of hyper-activity of the muscle nerves. It doesn’t matter if it’s a toe or a leg cramp, the cause and symptoms are considered the same.
3. Is there a medication for cramps?
Although quinine was used for years as an effective remedy for cramp relief (a sequlea to the old British gin and tonic), it has potentially serious side effects (including death) at the higher doses required for relief of cramps (hence its ban by the FDA). Currently there is no effective, universal (one medication fits all) prescription medication for cramp relief. Furthermore, even though numerous remedies are touted, such as fluid replacement, electrolyte balance, energy bars, mustard, pickle juice, etc., there is no proven, effective, preventative method for cramps or for post-cramp treatment. This is supported by hard scientific evidence.
4. Who is susceptible to cramps?
Cramps affect virtually everyone – sooner or later. In all age groups involved in various levels of exercise or physical activities, cramps may be an issue. An even larger demographic is represented by adults who are 60 and older.
5. What are nocturnal cramps?
Night time cramps commonly occur in older adults during sleep. Nocturnal cramps chronically affect at least a third of the 20 million people over the age of 60 and half of everyone over 80. Persons experiencing night time cramps may have multiple episodes during a night and/or during the week. These cramps tend to be highly disruptive and painful for the affected individuals.
6. How does Kramp Relief work?
Kramp Relief is designed to work at the site of the cramp. In other words, it is site directed and applied to where the cramp occurs. In contrast to oral remedies which require time for dissemination and localization of the proposed remedy, KR is effectively absorbed in the vicinity of the cramping muscle. It has both a topical analgesic to relieve the pain and a chemical energy source to relieve the rigor of a cramp.
7. Why do cramps occur during sleep and when my muscles are at rest?
Every movement requires an opposing set or pair of muscles. Even at rest, during sleep, one of the two muscles in the pair may be at rest, but the other is actually at work. Overexertion may then occur, leading to a cramp.
