WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
- What happens in your muscles when you get cramp
- Why dehydration makes cramps worse
- How professional athletes prevent cramps
THE SCIENCE EXPLAINED
Muscle cramps happen when muscle fibers contract and can't relax. During intense exercise like football, your muscles use up energy (ATP) and produce waste products like lactic acid. When you're dehydrated or low on minerals like sodium and potassium, the electrical signals that control muscle contraction get disrupted.
SPORT IN ACTION
Professional footballers often get cramps in extra time or during hot matches. You'll see them stretching on the pitch or drinking electrolyte drinks. In the 2014 World Cup, several matches had 'cooling breaks' because the heat in Brazil increased cramping risk.
TRY IT YOURSELF
Next time you exercise, notice how your muscles feel. Try holding a plank position until your muscles shake - that's fatigue building up. Proper warm-up and staying hydrated helps prevent this.
QUICK FACT
Your calf muscles are most likely to cramp because they work hard during running and jumping.
KEY IDEA TO REMEMBER
Cramps = tired muscles + dehydration + mineral imbalance. Stay hydrated and warm up properly!