How Do You Stop Charlie Horses?

The reason that we get so called "charlie Horses" is because of a lack of the mineral potassium. You need to eat more foods rich in potassium like potatoes or bananas.You can even try a suppliment. I had this due to a medication and I had to start taking potassium. When you get the cramps the only way that you can relieve them is to massage them out. I know that this hurts but massaging them will get them to go away temporarily.

I dont get them very often but my daughter does and her Aunt/my best friend told us not only what causes them (which of course I forgot LOL) but also that firmly massaging the Charlie Horse will make it go away....and it does work BUT its painful to do in the beginning which kinda sucks...it works none the less though.

Normally they are caused by a shortage of potassium or sodium in your body. They'll usually hit the calves first. So try eating a banana or drink some Gatorade. That usually solves it immediately. Best of luck to you.

Along with eating foods rich in potassium, such as bananas (suggested in another reply) you should also increase your water intake when you are being active, hiking, walking, jogging etc. They do make a tablet you can take that is specifically for leg cramps, it is an over-the-counter medication, found around the same area as the aspirin.

If you will look under your discussion you will see an ad for Hyland's Leg Cramp homeopathic medicines. That's a good company. Also I believe that magnesium helps with restless leg syndrome and leg cramps. Hope that helps.

I get them once in awhile. I get out of bed and walk on mine to get rid of them. I have been told to take magnesium, drink lots of water, and get plenty of potassium, and calcium.

my grandmother use to take quinine tablets for them. i don't know whether u can still buy them or not but maybe your dr.or pharmacist could reccomend something for them. they hurt like the devil. hope u don't have anymore.

In doing some research I found that Charlie horses can be from over exercising or some medications. You may be low on potassium try taking a potassium supplement. Eat bananas, DARK veggies such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc; dark leafed lettuces such as endive, romaine lettuce, etc. Magnesium may help too. vitamin E supplement can also be of some use. If I don't take some Calcium every day I get them in my feet.

It is funny you ask this because I think it was your discussion I answered to yesterday about bananas, anyway Charlie horses are caused when you are lacking potassium in your body and I was at the hospital that for this that one should make sure to eat a banana every day . If you can do this for a couple of weeks it should stop the Charlie horses .

They really are painful and there is nothing worse when you wake up with one . Try the bananas and they should work . I know they won't work right away but if you start taking them every day you should notice a difference even with how bad they are . Best of luck:)

my mom used to tell me that if you would eat a banana you would not get them. I don't get them so I don't know if it works or not but you cuold just try it to see if it works or ask your doctor cause he or she should know if this would help. Hope they get better.