Charlie Horse?

simplyychaos

I woke up last night with an AWFUL Charlie Horse in my left calf. I haven't gotten one of those since growth spurts a few years ago. Anyone know what causes them? I was really excited because today was my "start over" day at the gym and now my muscle is still really sore and hurts to even walk on.

nikki91950

no idea what causes them- you could have strained it recently and not even realized or slept on it wrong. i've heard potassium is good for muscle cramps and such, so maybe grab a banana when you get the chance? warm up the muscle with massaging and light walking and you might still be ok to work out

hooma

potassium deficiency is definitely one cause

JoLeeFA

When I was a teenager I got them bad enough that my parents took me to the doctor. His only answer was to eat bananas (potasium) and drink milk (calcium)

lindsaylove07

I find when I don't drink enough milk I get them too

jrich1

dehydration or a lack of potasium

steffiejoe

I get them when I need vitamin D.

Leigh_b

Increasing potassium and when you are lying in bed and stretch your legs, stretch heel first not toes... this will keep it from happening.

lrd2010

I always used to get these when I hadn't had enough salt (weirdly)

sblair77

I get them in my feet. I have tried EVERYTHING.

I finally asked a friend who is in sports medicine and she said sometimes it is not a deficiency of any sort but from over extending the muscle.

Wouldn't you know it I started to notice I typically get them when I am stretching or trying to use my toe to reach my flip flops before I get off the couch or out of bed.

So I have been trying to slowly work on the flexibility of my feet and legs, also not pointing my toes or arching my feet, and I have had a significantly drop in the amount I get.

Good luck! I know they hurt super bad

whiskey9890

I always used to get these when I hadn't had enough salt (weirdly)

me too

amfmmama

Increasing potassium and when you are lying in bed and stretch your legs, stretch heel first not toes... this will keep it from happening.

Yep! you need to increase the postassium. You can take a supplement or have a banana !

squishysangel

Increasing potassium and when you are lying in bed and stretch your legs, stretch heel first not toes... this will keep it from happening.

Yep! you need to increase the postassium. You can take a supplement or have a banana !

I have the same issue..looked into the best sources of potassium....swiss chard is top of the list.

Ruby11222

I only get them when I don't eat enough potassium. Eat Banana's, avocado's, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds etc.