Health Tips for January 20

Health Tip: Dealing With Muscle Cramps

A muscle cramp can occur during virtually any activity, even while sleeping. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says the slightest movement that shortens a muscle can make it contract forcibly and involuntarily, leading to a cramp. Here are the academy's suggestions for what to do when a muscle cramp strikes: Immediately stop any activity or exercise that led to the cramp. Gently stretch out the muscle, holding it in a gentle stretch until the cramp and pain subside. Gently massage the muscle. Apply heat if the muscle continues to be very tight or tense. Apply cold if the muscle is tender or sore. Health Tip: Warning Signs of Juvenile Arthritis When children complain about the pain of stiff, swollen joints, they may have juvenile arthritis. Although the disease affects each child differently, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says there are some common warning signs. It offers this list: Joint pain that is worse in the morning and eases later in the day. Pain in the knees, feet and hands. Pain that forces your child to limp in the morning. Swelling in the joints or lymph nodes. Joints that are inflamed and feel warm when touched. Irritability, fatigue, and loss of interest in playtime activities. A high fever and/or pink skin rash.