(HealthDay News) — 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.
//