ABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Better define the proposed etiologies, risk factors, and treatment plans for exercise-associated muscle cramps in the tennis player. RECENT FINDINGS: While no one theory has been able to fully explain the etiology behind exercise-associated muscle cramping, further classification of acute localized cramping and systemic or recurrent cramping may help guide future treatment and prevention strategies. Neuromuscular fatigue more than electrolyte deficit or dehydration is believed to play a large role in development of exercise-associated muscle cramps. Despite inconclusive evidence at this time, electrolyte deficit may play more of a role in the development of recurrent or systemic muscle cramping in the tennis athlete. More research is needed to better define its conclusive etiology.
