Overview

A muscle cramp is when a muscle tightens up suddenly. A cramp often happens in the legs. A muscle cramp is also called a muscle spasm or a charley horse.

Muscle cramps usually last less than a minute. But the pain may last for several minutes. Leg cramps that occur at night may wake your child.

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. If cramps keep coming back, your doctor may prescribe medicine that relaxes your child's muscles.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. This can prevent dehydration.
• Have your child stretch the muscles every day, especially before and after exercise and at bedtime. Regular stretching can relax your child's muscles. This may prevent cramps.
• Do not suddenly increase the amount of exercise your child gets. Increase your child's exercise a little each week.
• 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.
• Ask your doctor if you can give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for cramps. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Do not give your child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines contain acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.