Rehab One, Ltd. Newsletter

BMH Sports Medicine Center

Boone Memorial Hospital

(304) 369-5719

Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps can occur any time – during exertion or at rest. Sometimes they’re caused by certain medications or dehydrations.

• Have the victim stretch out the affected muscle to counteract the cramp.
• Massage the cramped muscle firmly but gently.
• Apply heat. (Use a heating pad or a hot water bottle wrapped in cloth.) Moist heat is more effective than dry heat.  Do Not  apply direct heat to the skin.
• Get medical help if cramps persist.

  Muscle Strains

• Muscle strains are commonly known as pulled muscles.
• Apply cold compresses at once. Reapply them for 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for the first 24 hours. (Do Not apply ice directly to the skin.)
• If the strained muscle is in an arm or leg, elevate the limb to reduce swelling & bleeding within the muscle.  Rest the pulled muscle for 24 hours.
• Get medical help if the victim is in great pain or if a body part is not working properly.