What to Do with a Muscle Cramp - Don't Stretch!

Most people try to stretch out a cramp, try to avoid that urge to elongate the muscle. Cramps are caused by uncontrollable muscle contractions, stretching leads to more strain causing more pain.

Instead, flex! When you contract the muscle on other side of a joint hard enough, the opposite muscle (the cramping one) will stop firing and ease the pain. This method is called Reciprocal Inhibition (RI).

Use the RI action with the following common cramps:

• Bottom of the foot: lift toes toward shin

• Calf: bend your ankle, bring your toot toward shin

• Hamstring: sitting or standing, fully extend your leg

It is also a good idea to check with a personal trainer if you have recurring muscle cramps. Learn more here.