How to get rid of charlie 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 causes Charlie horses and how do you get rid of them?

Some of the other causes include:

• Dehydration or low amounts of potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium.
• Certain medications you’re taking.
• Muscle fatigue or strain from overuse, too much exercise, or holding a muscle in the same position for a long time.
• Bad shoes.

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.

How do you get rid of a charlie horse in your stomach?

Stay hydrated. A loss of electrolytes due to dehydration can cause stomach spasms. Making sure you stay hydrated, therefore, can help reduce spasms. Changing your diet may help prevent stomach spasms caused by gas, gastritis, IBS, and inflammatory bowel disorders.

Can a charley horse hurt for days?

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.

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 the fastest way to get rid of a Charlie horse?

Massage, a bath with Epsom salts, or a heating pad can relax the muscle. To fight pain, use an ice pack or take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or naproxen. In most cases, the charley horse will stop within a few minutes. But if you get them often and for no clear reason, tell your doctor.

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.

Does dehydration cause charley horses?

Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle strain or simply holding a position for a prolonged period can cause a muscle cramp. In many cases, however, the cause isn’t known. Although most muscle cramps are harmless, some may be related to an underlying medical condition, such as: Inadequate blood supply.

What is the best muscle relaxer?

Which Muscle Relaxants Are Best for Neck and Back Pain?

• 1) Methocarbamol. Methocarbamol (Robaxin) is a well-studied medication that treats back pain. …
• 2) Cyclobenzaprine. …
• 3) Carisoprodol. …
• 4) Metaxalone. …
• 5) Tizanidine. …
• 6) Baclofen. …
• 7) Oxazepam and diazepam.

What is the best vitamin for leg cramps?

Magnesium is a widely used remedy for leg cramps.

What can I drink for leg cramps?

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

Can you get a charley horse in your abdomen?

Muscle cramps, or “charley horses” as they are sometimes called, are extremely common and occur when muscles involuntarily contract and cannot relax. The most notorious sites for cramps are the calves, thighs and arch of the foot. Cramps in the hands, arms, abdomen and along the rib cage are also very common.

What vitamin is good for charley horses?

Step 1: Get plenty of vitamin D-3, magnesium, potassium, and calcium (get tested for your blood levels of these and iron, too). Deficiencies are linked to cramping. From food and supplements aim for: –1,000 IU of D-3 daily.