How to Get Rid of Charley Horses

Charley horses most often affect the calf muscle.

A charley horse is a muscle cramp in which the muscle is contracted and locked. Technically, you can get a charley horse in any muscle, but it is most commonly referred to when dealing with a muscle cramp in the leg. Specifically, it refers to a cramp in the calf muscle. These painful cramps may wake you at night or when you're trying to fall asleep, although you can get them at any time. Treatment is simple.

Instructions

1. Stretch the cramping muscle. If it's in your calf, point your toes and arch the foot as far as you can.

2. Walk it out. This is especially good for calf cramps. Standing on the muscle applies pressure from your weight and walking works the muscle, working out the cramp.

3. Massage the cramped muscle. Apply pressure and do some muscle release work where you gently pull on the muscle to stretch it back into a more relaxed state.

4. Take potassium. A muscle cramp can be an indication of a potassium deficiency. You can take potassium tablets or get potassium by eating a banana.

References

• Charlie Horses

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish