When it comes to muscle cramps, an ounce of prevention can forestall a pound of pain.

E. Todd Schroeder, Ph.D., research assistant professor in the USC Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, says that most muscle cramps are caused by dehydration, the loss of salts called electrolytes, or excessive exercise---all of which are preventable.

Cramps are involuntary full-strength muscle contractions that can create tiny tears in muscle tissue in the same way that strenuous exertion from activities such as weight lifting can. As a result, a muscle can feel sore for days after a cramp subsides, he says.

"The number one thing people can do to prevent cramps is to drink plenty of water. That is especially the case with older people who get nighttime cramps in their legs," Schroeder says.

Athletes and people who do endurance training in warmer climates are especially susceptible to the loss of electrolytes through perspiration, even if they are adequately hydrated. Drinks that replenish electrolytes, such as Gatorade, can avert cramping due to electrolyte loss.

Cramping due to over-exertion is also common and can be reduced or eliminated by stretching before exercising and maintaining a regular exercise program. However, if you experience a muscle cramp, you should immediately attempt to stretch the muscle to alleviate the cramp, Schroeder says.