QUESTION: I like to exercise, and still enjoy a good game of tennis despite advancing years.
However, I am taken with painful cramps after any decent match that takes away a good deal of the fun.
What causes cramps, and is there any way I can prevent them, and preserve my pleasure?
ANSWER: Don't blame your age, cramps are just as common in younger people when the conditions are right.
A cramp is a painful spasm of a muscle that causes it contract, forming a hard "knot" that may often be felt by an examining hand.
It is probably caused in otherwise healthy people, by a loss of salt in the perspiration provoked by the exercise.
It may happen as well to workers who must labor in hot, steamy environments.
The remedy is to replace the salt, and the liquids, during the match or work period.
While there are commercial "sports" drinks available, orange or grapefruit juice diluted with plain or carbonated water, with a generous pinch of salt added, should do the job.
If the cramp is caused by difficulties with blood circulation, however, prescription medication may be necessary to help.
Don't rub the cramp, it will only increase the pain, but try instead to stretch the muscle.
If it is in your calf, a most common site, pushing the heel down and flexing the toes upwards towards the knee is most effective.
Proceed slowly, maintaining the pressure until you feel the cramp "let go," and then move about slowly, restoring normal muscle function.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
