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A muscle cramp is when a muscle tightens up suddenly. It often occurs in the legs. Muscle cramps usually last less than a minute. But the pain may last for several minutes. Heavy exercise, dehydration, and being overweight can make muscle cramps more likely. An imbalance of certain chemicals, called electrolytes, in the blood can also lead to muscle cramps.

You can treat a cramp by stretching and massaging the muscle.

A few tips to reduce getting cramps:¹

1. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. This can prevent dehydration.
2. Have your child stretch the muscles every day, especially before and after exercise and at bedtime. Regular stretching can relax your child's muscles and prevents
3. Do not suddenly increase the amount of exercise your child gets. Increase your child's exercise a little each week.
4. When your child gets a cramp, have your child stretch and massage the muscle. Your child can also take a warm shower or bath to relax the muscle.
5. Sometimes a pain killer is required. Consult your pediatrician before giving any kind of medication to your child.

Dr. Julien LTEIF

Pediatrician

^{1-https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=bo1390}