I'M in training for a charity run early next year. A couple of weeks ago I got very bad cramp in my leg and every time I go training it comes back, what should I do?

Muscles use salts and oxygen in a different way when they are working harder, such as during exercise. Most leg cramps come on suddenly and do not last very long.

Painkillers are unlikely to help because the cramp will probably have passed before the drugs take effect; however, if a severe leg cramp leaves your muscle feeling tender afterwards, you could take a painkiller such as paracetamol.

Make sure you drink plenty water before, during and after your running sessions.

Stretching exercises can also help to reduce how often you get leg cramps.

Try doing the exercises three times a day, including just before you go to bed.

Straighten your leg, bend your ankle backwards, and try walking around on tiptoes for a few minutes. Lean forward against a wall with your arms outstretched, about a metre from the wall.

Keep the soles of your feet flat on the floor for five seconds - repeat this exercise several times, for about five minutes. If these exercises improve your cramps and reduce how often they occur, you may be able to do the exercises just once or twice a day.

Warming and cooling down with stretches when exercising can also help.

I WENT for my first smear last week and the nurse told me to go to the gynaecologist, as she could not find my cervix. Now I'm really worried.

The most likely scenario is that your uterus is tilted backwards, this is a normal finding and it not uncommon, it means that the cervix is tucked high up on the vaginal wall and can be very difficult to locate.

Do not worry as the nurse has done the right thing and it is most likely you will be reassured and advised of the situation when you attend the clinic.

WHAT is Tietze's syndrome?

Tietze's syndrome is inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum. When this joint becomes inflamed, it becomes painful and tender.

Symptoms associated with Tietze's syndrome may occur suddenly or gradually, and the main symptoms are a sharp pain in the upper ribs, a tenderness in the upper ribs and swelling in the upper ribs.

Unlike a heart attack, the pain associated with Tietze's syndrome normally affects one area, and doesn't tend to radiate like cardiac pain does.

In order to properly diagnose Tietze's syndrome, a number of tests and examinations are carried out to rule out other conditions.

An ECG, chest x-ray and MRI scan may be recommended, and no other condition is suspected or found, a diagnosis of Tietze’s syndrome may be given.

Tietze's syndrome tends to improve on its own after a few weeks, although you may still be left with some swelling after the pain and tenderness have gone.

The symptoms of the condition can be relieved with rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. In more severe cases, corticosteroids injections may be recommended.