How to Stop Leg Cramps, Charley Horses

This is a proven method for stopping those horrible leg cramps or Charley horses as some folks call them. A lot of seniors get these as well, especially at night. I am a registered nurse who has instructed my patients on this simple procedure for their leg cramps. Ninety percent state immediate relief. It is a form of acupressure. Read on to learn more about stopping leg cramps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. First find the space from the bottom center of your nose to where your upper lip meets.

2. Take your thumb and forefinger and pinch this area as you apply constant pressure. Do not pinch so hard as to injure or bruise your skin. A firm steady pressure will do.

3. You can remove your fingers as soon as you feel relief from the leg cramp or spasm. It is usually fairly quick. Some state complete relief in seconds or two minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Relax and just apply enough pressure to make it work without causing injury or bruising to your skin.
• Although this action should not harm you, you may want to discuss your leg cramps with your doctor if they become frequent or if you have redness, heat, tingling or pain in your legs. These may be symptoms of another problem.

[jull14]

on 7/6/2009 Thank you for sharing this information with me, it is very interesting, helpful for many here at ehow and the article is well written and easy to follow, thanks so much.

[chillie]

on 3/8/2009 I'll try this next time! My method for calf cramps is to push hard with my heel. This stretches the calf area, which is what it needs.

[Merriment]

on 1/21/2009 Cool. I'll have to try this!

[HeikeZ]

on 1/21/2009 I've got to try this. That sounds like a great tip! Thanks

[steffilyon]

on 12/3/2008 I have done this for years and it does work. I have also discovered that wearing cotton socks and, in colder weather, also wearing cotton leggings, prevents these ghastly leg cramps.