cramp

(kramp)

To hear audio pronunciation of this topic, purchase a subscription or log in.


1. A pain, usually sudden and intermittent, of almost any area of the body, esp. abdominal and pelvic viscera.
SEE: dysmenorrhea
2. A painful, involuntary skeletal muscle contraction.
SEE: systremma

TREATMENT
Therapy depends on the cause and location of the cramp. In muscular cramps, the muscle is extended and compressed, and heat and massage are applied.

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.