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.

-- Diana Kohnle