Ouch! Charlie Horse question

I woke up this morning with a horrible Charlie horse ( why do they call it that?)

Now my calf is extremely sore and hurts when I walk. Is this normal? I can count on one hand how many times I have had this but don't remember being this sore after.

Re: Ouch! Charlie Horse question

Normal for pregnancy.

Usually a sign of dehyrdation or low potassium. Eat some bananas.

Message edited 8/21/2006 12:16:53 PM.

Re: Ouch! Charlie Horse question

yep that happens Maybe put warm heat on it to help thie soreness

Re: Ouch! Charlie Horse question

I used to get cramps in my calves ALL the time!
It would be sore for a while after that - so i think it's normal.

Re: Ouch! Charlie Horse question

Posted by nrthshgrl

Normal for pregnancy.

Usually a sign of dehyrdation or low potassium. Eat some bananas.

Re: Ouch! Charlie Horse question

Oh and thanks ladies!!!
I was getting nervous that it still hurt so many hours later

Re: Ouch! Charlie Horse question

I get charlie horses in the middle of the night sometimes and the only way for me to get rid of them is to walk putting extra pressure on that leg until the pain goes away. Flex your foot as much as you can, that might release the tension. I've also heard that they come on because of lack of salt in your body. Don't know if it's true though.

Re: Ouch! Charlie Horse question

You can help avoid them if you eat more potassium....try more bananas. I got them a lot when I was dancing because I didn't stretch after classes.

Re: Ouch! Charlie Horse question

Eat kiwis too!
They are very high in potassium.
I hate charlie horses.
Feel Better!!!

Re: Ouch! Charlie Horse question

I get them in the sole of my feet sometimes....painful!!!!

When I eat bananas more regularly, I rarely get them....

Re: Ouch! Charlie Horse question

Also a sign of a calcium deficiency.

From google:
Leg Cramps or Muscle Cramps (Charlie Horse) leg pain usually occur when a muscle tries to do more work than it has the strength and flexibility to handle. As a result, most people have experienced a cramped calf, biceps, hand or other muscle spasm at some time. Another cause can be dehydration. Muscle cells are made up of 80 percent fluids, so they need to be replenished constantly. A combination of overwork and dehydration can be more devastating.

Muscles contract and relax over and over again (Restless Legs) , but when a cramp occurs, the muscle locks in the contracted position (Charlie Horse) leg pain . When the muscle is irritated, it cramps to protect the area of difficulty. People who overuse their muscles during the day sometimes wake up at night with cramps. The best way to avoid a leg cramp is to warm up and stretch before and after exercise, and stay hydrated.

If you get a cramp, such as a hamstring cramp, lie on your back and gently bring the cramped leg, bent at 90 degrees or so, toward your head. Use one hand to stabilize the front of the thigh, while the other guides the back of the calf. The unclamped leg should be bent at 45 degrees for the least possible strain on your back.

Re: Ouch! Charlie Horse question

I had a bad one about a month ago, and my calf hurt for two days afterward.

Re: Ouch! Charlie Horse question

I get the same thing. It only happens in bed, when I stretch but not all of the time, so bad to the point where it almost makes me scream

So my trainer said to eat bananas and try drinking perrier