Why do footballers cramp up in extra time?
What is cramp?
Cramp is a painful muscle spasm or contraction. Cramps often, but not always occur in hot weather or following exercise. They are caused by a lack of salts commonly in fatigued muscles of calf, thigh or abdomen. Why do footballs cramp up in extra time? Dehydration is a common cause of muscle cramps.
Treatment of cramp?
1 Rest
2 Lie casualty down and elevate legs
3 Gently stretch muscle group in spasm
4 Give drinks with electrolytes or eat a banana with fluids which will help replace electrolytes
5 Avoid massaging the muscles
Why do footballers cramp up in extra time? Well trained athletes bodies are used to the vigorous use of muscles and muscle fatigue. Generally this would be for the period of time that a regular game lasts and the players bodies are used to playing for a certain length of time. 90 minutes or so in football. If they are playing in a hotter environment than normal or the activity is extended (extra time) the muscles are extra fatigued and the players more dehydrated, then cramps become more common.
Some cramps may come on later, sometimes many hours later unless athletes rehydrate properly. Older adults are at risk for cramps when performing vigorous or strenuous physical activities.
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