Have you ever had a bothersome, excruciating cramp in your arm or leg following a strenuous workout or a long day in the sun? Dehydration could be the covert cause of such cramps. Insufficient bodily fluids might lead your muscles to become unbalanced, resulting in sudden, severe spasms. Are you curious about the causes of muscular cramps caused by dehydration and how to prevent them? In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between dehydration and muscle cramps so you can seek the right care when necessary.
For same-day dehydration treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week with no appointments required– just stop by at your convenience!
Understanding Dehydration
Your body can't function normally when you're not consuming enough fluids. Maintaining the equilibrium of your electrolytes, which include sodium, potassium, and magnesium, requires water. These electrolytes support the healthy function of your muscles like unsung heroes. Therefore, this delicate equilibrium is upset when dehydrated, which might cause your muscles to cramp. Your muscles seem disoriented and have a minor outburst, which causes those painful, stabbing cramps.
Dehydration can happen quickly with a sudden, severe onset of symptoms. Restoring your hydration levels as they drop is much easier than attempting to rehydrate from a point of severe dehydration.
Why Does Dehydration Cause Muscle Cramps?
Whether from an intense workout or simply roasting in the heat, you lose a lot of water and electrolytes when you sweat profusely. If you don't replace the lost fluids, cramps may strike without warning. The impulses that inform your muscles how to move become screwed up when you don't drink enough water or electrolytes, which causes those intense, excruciating cramps. Furthermore, a lack of fluids might cause your muscles to battle for the nutrition and oxygen they require, exacerbating cramps.
Preventing and Treating Muscle Cramps
Staying well-hydrated can significantly help avoid cramps. Make sure you drink lots of water before, during, and after any physical exercise. Electrolyte-rich sports drinks can save your life if you're sweating a lot. Consuming foods high in potassium, magnesium, and sodium, such as bananas, can also support the maintenance of a balanced electrolyte balance. To assist with your cramp, relax, stretch it out, and give it a light massage while drinking water.
Thus, even while dehydration frequently causes bothersome cramps, it's usually controllable with adequate fluids and a healthy diet. But you should see a medical professional if cramps are causing you frequent discomfort or if you experience unusual weakness, disorientation, or dizziness. Visiting an urgent care center makes getting same-day diagnosis and treatment for dehydration and cramping muscles easy without breaking the bank.
Get Walk-In Dehydration & Muscle Cramp Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Clark
Muscle cramps can be a source of discomfort, with dehydration being a common yet overlooked cause. By understanding the connection between dehydration and muscle cramps and following strategies to manage your symptoms, you’ll be able to find relief. If you’re struggling with dehydration or other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a healthcare provider. At AFC Urgent Care Clark, we provide walk-in treatment seven days a week– no appointment required. Our facility accepts most health insurance plans and offers low-cost options for any self-paying patient. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact us directly at (732) 301-5114 to speak with a member of our team.
