How to Treat a cramped muscle

Muscle cramping is one of the most common complaints. It can affect anyone from desk workers to marathon runners, and can range from mild discomfort to crippling pain. Fortunately, if you take an active approach towards treatment, you can minimize discomfort and get back to what you were doing. Read on to learn how to treat a cramped muscle.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• <br>Hot water bag
• <br>Shower
• <br>Topical cream
• <br>Aspirin
• <br>Water

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Instructions

• 1

  Rub the muscle. For most muscle cramping, simply finding the knot and rubbing it will do the trick.

• 2

  Ice the muscle. Holding a bag of ice against a cramped muscle can be very effective in preventing or reducing swelling--particularly immediately after it cramps.

• 3

  Apply heat. Take a hot shower or put a hot water bag against the cramp. Use as much heat as you can comfortable stand.

• 4

  Take an aspirin. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug, so it is fairly good at treating muscle inflammation.

• 5

  Stretch. Starting slowly, gently stretch the muscle as far as you can.

• 6

  Drink plenty of fluids. Muscle cramping can be caused by dehydration, so sometimes simply rehydrating can help a lot.

• 7

  Use a balm on the muscle. A topical treatments such as Icy Hot, Tiger Balm or Bengay will help to soothe the pain and loosen up the muscle.