Health Tip: Coping With a Muscle Cramp

A painful muscle cramp can occur if you don’t stretch before a workout.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends:

Stopping any activity that led to the cramp.
Slowly and gently stretching the muscle. Hold it in that position until the cramp subsides.
Gently massaging the muscle while stretching it to help it relax.
Applying heat if the muscle and others nearby are tight and tense.
Applying cold if the muscles are sore and tender.

Source: HealthDay