Question: Why do we get cramp When we run or just when were Sleeping?

Andrew Philp answered on 10 Nov 2014:

Cramp is a difficult one to predict/avoid/treat, mainly as it has a number of things that cause it. Generally i think you can look at it from two angles, firstly it is likely due to a lack of things getting to the muscle, such as oxygen, nutrients etc which are normally provided by the bloodstream. The second way of looking at it, is there is an increase in negative things that accumulate in muscle as a result of reductions in bloodflow/oxygen delivery.

When we exercise, the body os placed under huge demand from all organs to provide the energy needed. This means that all systems have to work together so that some processes are slowed down in favour off those most important. If the systems providing oxygen/nutrients to muscle cannot cope with the demands of exercise then something has to give, whether it be through muscle damage or cramp. This is basically the bodies way of telling you that you are at the limit.

Training helps as it improves the bodies capacity to provide energy with all the systems becoming more efficient. Nutrition and hydration help as they provide more energy and allow the muscle to contract for longer before fatiguing.