Fighting Cramp
Cramp is one of the most common conditions to affect anyone playing a sport, or in fact, just anyone.
Cramp can strike at any time, but is most likely when you are tiring due to physical exertion. It is therefore prevalent in tennis, and can strike any player of any age at any time.
Cramp is actually caused by the contraction or over-shortening of muscles. The main causes are the cold, overexertion and – particularly in the case of children – a low calcium level in the bloodstream. During physical activity, the body naturally sweats and this can lead to calcium levels dropping, and therefore cramp occurs.
Should cramp happen to you, there are several things you can do to stop the uncomfortable and painful sensation it brings. First, try and stretch the muscle the cramp is happening in, though do this slowly to prevent an otherwise avoidable injury. Alternatively, you can request a trainer gives a soft massage to the effected area, which should release the tension in the muscle and will ease the problem. Hot and cold compresses also work on cramp, but are a last option – the aforementioned methods are far more likely to be effective.
When you have alleviated the pain, it is important to drink fluids as soon as possible in case you have cramped up due to loss of fluid through sweat. Drinking steadily and take deep breaths in between to re-energise your system. If during a match you experience cramp, you are 85% more likely to experience it again if you do not drink water and take a moment to rest. Take advantage of any breaks in play and, if necessary, call one specifically.
Many medical professionals argue that cramp is not actually preventable, though they do advise steps that make you less likely to suffer from a bout. A diet which is high in potassium can help prevent cramps; bananas, an excellent source of potassium, are often eaten by professional players during matches. Although a low level of calcium in the blood often causes cramps, this is due to sweating at that exact moment and cannot be altered with a dietary change.
However, while cramp is momentarily very painful, it is easily treated and the vast majority of people only need stretch the muscle and take a short break before resuming play. If cramp happens to you, don't panic, follow the steps to solve the problem, take a break, drink plenty of fluids, and then you will most likely be fit to return to play.
