According to Mayo Clinic, a charley horse is an involuntary contraction of muscles. The contraction forms a hard lump for a brief time, usually in the calf and thigh muscles. It's rarely a sign of a serious condition. However, a charley horse can be seriously painful. Different natural remedies can help alleviate the pain.
Causes and Symptoms
Muscle cramps can develop from exercising for long periods of time, especially in hot weather conditions, and dehydration. People with excess weight or a hormonal imbalance may be more susceptible to charley horses. Some medications and medical conditions can also cause the contractions.
Prevention
Staying hydrated with water or a sport drink is the best way to prevent charley horses, especially during outside activities. It also helps to stretch your muscles on a regular basis. Stretch before and after any exercise program or game. The Mayo Clinic website also suggests taking a vitamin B complex. Warming your legs with a heating pad before bedtime may prevent nocturnal muscle contractions.
Internal Remedies
According to Mayo Clinic website, diets low in potassium, calcium and magnesium may contribute to nocturnal leg cramps. Bananas, avocados and apricots are rich in potassium. Magnesium rich foods include squash, bran and sunflower seeds. Eating leafy greens, broccoli and low fat yogurt beefs up your calcium intake. A couple of swigs of tonic water, which contains quinine, will work for many sufferers.
Topical Remedies
Stretching the sore leg will help relieve the pain. Stand on the unaffected foot and bend the other leg pulling towards the back. Try a heating pad or wet, hot compresses on the affected muscle, or soak in a hot tub with aromatherapy oils.
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