Question

Why do we sometimes suffer from muscle cramps while exercising?

Answer 1

Cramps occur while exercising because of accumulation of lactic acid in the muscle cells. During exercise, body needs more energy, but it cannot get more oxygen for oxidation of food and for providing energy. The additional energy in muscle cells is provided by anaerobic respiration in which partial breakdown of glucose into lactic acid takes place. This lactic acid accumulates in muscle cells and causes cramps.