Health Tip: Dealing With Muscle Cramps
Friday, April 30th, 2010A muscle cramp can occur during virtually any activity, even while sleeping.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says the slightest movement that shortens a muscle can make it contract forcibly and involuntarily, leading to a cramp.
Here are the academy’s suggestions for what to do when a muscle cramp strikes:
Immediately stop any activity or exercise that led to the cramp.
Gently stretch out the muscle, holding it in a gentle stretch until the cramp and pain subside.
Gently massage the muscle.
Apply heat if the muscle continues to be very tight or tense.
Apply cold if the muscle is tender or sore.