How to relieve a charley horse

What causes a charley horse?

A charley horse can be caused by a direct blow or sudden stretch of the muscle, but most of the time they’re caused by strain or fatigue during exercise.

What can I drink for a Charlie horse?

7 Charley Horse Home Remedies

• Put your bare foot on a cold floor. …
• As soon as the leg cramp happens, pull your toes up toward your knee and it may disappear.
• Magnesium oil is a good natural remedy for muscle cramps. …
• Take a swig of dill pickle juice.
• Mix a tablespoon of vinegar with a teaspoon of honey and drink up.

How do I get rid of leg cramps fast?

If you have a cramp, these actions may provide relief:

1. Stretch and massage. Stretch the cramped muscle and gently rub it to help it relax. For a calf cramp, put your weight on your cramped leg and bend your knee slightly. …
2. Apply heat or cold. Use a warm towel or heating pad on tense or tight muscles.

Is heat or cold better for a charley horse?

Heat will relax the muscle at first. Ice may be helpful after the first spasm and when the pain has improved. If the muscle is still sore after heat and ice, you can use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines to help with pain.13 мая 2019 г.

Why is a charley horse so painful?

These spasms are marked by uncomfortable muscle contractions. If the contracting muscles don’t relax for several seconds or more, the pain can be severe. Severe charley horses can result in muscle soreness that lasts anywhere from a few hours to a day. This is normal, so long as the pain isn’t prolonged or recurring.

How do you stop a Charlie horse at night?

Nocturnal Leg Cramp Prevention

1. Stretch during the day and before bed. Focus on your calf and foot muscles.
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Move around during the day to exercise your feet and legs.
4. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
5. Sleep under loose covers, especially if you sleep on your back.

Do bananas help charley horses?

You probably know that bananas are a good source of potassium. But they’ll also give you magnesium and calcium. That’s three out of four nutrients you need to ease muscle cramps tucked under that yellow peel. No wonder bananas are a popular, quick choice for cramp relief.

Does salt help charley horses?

4. Using an Epsom salt bath may also help to relieve pain and possibly help with the prevention of a Charley horse. Epson salt has a high magnesium content.

Is Gatorade Good for charley horse?

Drink plenty of fluids. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, will often help leg cramps.

How do I stop nighttime leg cramps?

The following tips may help you avoid leg cramps while sleeping:

1. Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids allow for normal muscle function. …
2. Stretch your legs. …
3. Ride a stationary bike. …
4. Change your sleeping position. …
5. Avoid heavy or tucked-in bedding. …
6. Choose supportive footwear.

What foods trigger leg cramps?

Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in your diet can contribute to leg cramps. Diuretics — medications often prescribed for high blood pressure — also can deplete these minerals.

What is the best vitamin for leg cramps?

Magnesium is a widely used remedy for leg cramps.

Can a charley horse be a sign of a blood clot?

A DVT blood clot can cause a calf cramp that feels a lot like a charley horse. Like leg pain, the cramping sensation with DVT will persist and even worsen with time. It won’t clear up with stretching or walking it off like an ordinary charley horse.

What is a Charley horse punch?

“Charlie Horse” is a slang term, not a technical diagnosis. … Whether a kick, knee, punch or elbow to a muscle, a Charlie Horse is a painful blunt force trauma that can be very intense at the time of injury. If severe enough, the pain can last a few days and involve bruising and swelling.