What To Do When a Muscle Cramps

In this People’s Pharmacy column from the L.A. Times, a 47-year-old complains of muscle cramps that arrive reliably whenever he plays basketball. The crampee is advised that muscle cramps can be caused by all sorts of things, including a lack of
minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. In such cases,
the experts suggest, replenishing the minerals may prevent the cramps. But wait. Geezer has found more advice. This clearly-written explanation blames cramps on electrolytic imbalance resulting from dehydration, and MedicineNet says much the same thing but with a great many more words, some of them elucidating.
Geezer finds that experts agree about what to do about cramps. When they occur, stop whatever activity brought them on, massage the muscle, and, if they continue, apply ice. To prevent them from happening, get your electrolytes in order before stepping on the court.