(HealthDay News) -- A muscle cramp occurs when a muscle involuntarily contracts. It often occurs during a sport or other exercise, but a muscle can spasm even during sleep.

The ADAM Encyclopedia offers these suggestions for alleviating or preventing a muscle cramp:

• Stop your activity right away, and perform some gentle stretching or massage.
• Heat the muscle while it's cramping. Apply ice for pain later.
• Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to help manage pain.
• Drink plenty of water, a sports drink or take a salt tablet.
• Don't push yourself beyond your limit while working out.
• Be sure to include enough potassium in your diet.
• Stretch your muscles regularly.