What causes charley horses?

u aint drinking enough water

Leg cramps occur when the muscle suddenly and forcefully contracts. The most common muscles to contract in this manner are muscles that cross two joints. These muscles include the calf (crossing the ankle and knee), the hamstring (crossing the knee and hip), and the quadriceps (also crossing the knee and hip).

The most common cause that is typically seen in patients who develop leg cramps is exercising in an unusual way, meaning either more activity or a different exercise. Leg cramps are more common in young (adolescent age) and older (over 65) patients. Patients who weigh more are more prone to developing leg cramps. Also, some medications can cause side effects of leg cramping.

How can leg cramps be prevented?

•Stay Hydrated

It is not well known exactly how dehydration and muscle cramping are related, but it is known that dehydration can predispose to leg cramps. Drink at least three full glasses of water each day, including one before bedtime. Also drink plenty of fluid before, during, and after exercise.

•Stretch Regularly

Stretching can relax muscle fibers. When working out, a good post-work out stretching routine can help relax muscles and prevent cramps. Make sure you cool down after exercising, and do not exercise vigorously just prior to sleep.

•Train Gradually

Gradually build up an exercise program, and try to avoid sudden increases in activity. The "10% Rule" is a good rule of thumb: never increase your exercise over one week by more than 10% compared to the week before. Sudden changes in activities can cause leg cramps.

What is the best way to make a leg cramp go away?

Usually instinct takes over when a leg cramp strikes, and you massage and stretch the sore muscle. This is a perfect instinct and often solves the problem. The best steps are:

•Massage the cramped muscle

•Stretch the muscle (gently!)

•Take a hot shower or bath to warm and relax the muscle

What causes Charley horses? That's a great question. I use to get muscle cramps in my leg too. So badly, it would cause me to wake up during the middle of my rest. Fortunately, my mom is an R.N. and was able t help me lessen the pain.

These muscle cramps can have many possible causes including hormonal imbalances, dehydration, potassium at low levels or calcium in the blood, as well as, medication side effects,

Persistent cramps like yours should be treated by a doctor. Your doctor can possible help you find your exact cause so you can stop it.

Fortunately, I was able to stop mine. Hope you are able to get the same relief.

Causes

* Muscle fatigue

* Heavy exercising

* Dehydration

* High weight (not necessarily obesity)

* Electrolyte imbalances

* Medications (statins, prednisone, others...)

Preventions

Stay Hydrated

Stretch Regularly

Train Gradually

Make go away

o Massage the cramped muscle

o Stretch the muscle (gently!)

o Take a hot shower or bath to warm and relax the muscle

Charlie horses are just muscle cramps. They can be results of heavy exercising, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Eating fruits like bananas, raisins, and apricots will help because they're high in potassium.

Here's a website with foods that will help prevent:

http://www.weightlossforall.com/potassium-rich-foo...

Make sure you're drinking a good amount of water as well.

To get rid of one, put your leg straight and point your toe upwards for a few seconds and then downwards and repeat.

Hope this helped!

I heard potassium deficiency. Bananas are supposed to have that.

When they start, I force the other foot against he ball of the foot to keep the muscles from clenching in my calf. That's were it hits me. If I let it contract, the pain lasts after. If I prevent it from contracting, it's over as soon as the muscles relax.

I often get these if I am on my feet all day or have done extra running or climbing stairs. I've heard a lack of potassium can also cause this. Try eating bananas if you like them.

well your maybe getting up to fast and the sudden cause of that could maybe putting pain to your leg so just try getting up differently and see if there is any change

You need to eat more potassium. Bananas and tomatoes should do the trick

also magnesium works as well, also when i get them once in awhile in my leg wat i do is. i point my toes toward my body and it stops it immediately, sorta like stretches it out.. remember toward the body not away or u risk the pain increasing