CRAMP

painful spasmodic contraction of muscles, usually of the limbs, the calf of the leg being most frequently affected; due to some obscure nervous derangement. Generally it occurs when the muscles are fatigued, and it is common in parturition, in cholera, and in persons of a gouty tendency. When the calf is attacked by cramp the leg should be straightened and the foot turned forcibly upwards, to stretch out the calf muscles. Writer’s cramp affects the fingers so that they cannot be used, and should be treated by ma age, electricity, and exercise of the affected parts. Bather’s cramp is probably a spasm of the respiratory muscles.