Health Tip: Battling Muscle Cramps?

(HealthDay News) -- The tight, searing pain of a muscle cramp is tough to forget. But do you know why your muscles spasm?

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons mentions these possible causes:

• Failing to stretch muscles before exercise.
• Exercising muscles that are over-fatigued.
• Exercising in hot weather.
• Exercising when you are dehydrated or lack electrolytes.
• Overexerting yourself during exercise.
• Being overweight, being sick or taking certain medications.
• Being older.