CRAMP

is a painful spasm of the voluntary muscles most commonly occurring in the calves. The condition may result from cold, as in bathing, or be due to irritation of the stomach or intestines, as in severe diarrhea or arsenical poisoning. Cramps of the back and the abdominal muscles also occur in lockjaw and strychnine poisoning. Cramp in the hand is generally due to strain of certain muscles overworked in the course of the daily work, as in writer's cramp and other forms of trade cramp. For simple cramp in the calves the best treatment is to push forward the heel and draw back the toes, or brisk friction with the hands or with ‘ compound a gs) liniment also. Other forms of cram require medical aid. So-called “Swimmer’s Cramp” 4 ® spasm of the arteries by which the circulation is serious! obstructed and heart failure induced. The treatment 4 warmth and stimulants. Colic corresponds to cramp, but attacks tho involuntary muscles instead of the voluntary, [s. 347]