Treatment For Muscle Cramps

• Muscle cramps in the feet or calf muscles occur in a third of children.
• During attacks, stretch the painful muscle by pulling the foot and toes upward as far as they will go to break the spasm.
• Stretch the muscle in the direction opposite to how it is being pulled by the cramp or spasm.
• Apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth to the painful muscle for 20 minutes.
• If these are heat cramps (occurring during exercise on a hot day), give lots of water and sports drink in addition to stretching the muscle and a cold pack.
• Future attacks may be prevented by daily stretching exercises of the heel cords (stand with the knees straight and stretch the ankles by leaning forward against a wall). Also give the feet more room to move at night by placing a pillow under the covers at the foot of the bed. Also be sure your child gets enough calcium in the diet.