Health Tip: Dealing With Muscle Cramps

Here's what to do

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(HealthDay News) -- A 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.

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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.

-- Diana Kohnle