how can i prevent/ ease the pain of charlie horses? i play sports and i know it is part of the sport, but the pain keeps me from being able to sleep
2006-09-22 02:37:26 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
As several have said, it is because your muscles are lacking potassium and the muscles have a build up of lactic acid. Both are very normal conditions for athletes. Bananas are a great source of potassium, that is why you see them at all big races. The lactic acid is a by-product of strenuous muscle exercise and can be eliminated by massage, stretching after and a good walk after your sports activity. Allow your muscles to cool down slowly and get your fluids and calcium and you will sleep much better...Good Luck!!
2006-09-22 03:21:20 · answer #1 · answered by Suthern R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are taking medication be sure supplements do not interfere with them. If they do not, take a multi vitamin, a calcium, a magnesium, and a potassium supplement daily to supply the muscles with extra nutrients needed when exercising. Warm shower/bath after sports, or as soon as possible and definitely before bed. Once the pain strikes, a cold object placed on the center of the affected muscle helps my friend (she was in terrible pain and I remember reading about the cold thing, and it actually worked for her). Lavender ESSENTIAL oil applied to area gives relief for my sister-in-law. I would apply it BEFORE bed time as prevention and again if a CH strikes. There is no harmful effect of this oil unless you are allergic. Try a small spot first. If you get itching or rash, wash with warm water and soap. You can also dilute the oil to less than 1/2 strength with vegetable oil to reduce the possibility of reaction. Lavender is one of the milder oils and can usually be used full strength without a problem. I hope you find help for them, my husband has the same problem after strenuous use of muscles. He has had some relief from the above info, but sometimes, nothing helps. BEST of luck.
2006-09-22 03:03:43 · answer #2 · answered by Dan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to get charlie horses all the time as a cheerleader in high school. First thing, you need more potassium in your diet. You can get potassium from bananas, or you can get supplements from your local health food, GNC or grocery store.
When you have a charlie horse coming on, flex the foot of the leg that is cramping. Not point, but the opposite, flex. It should stop the cramping.
2006-09-22 02:42:25 · answer #3 · answered by ktan_the_siren 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I used to get them really bad especially at night. You need more Potassium when I started taking a supplement of it made a big difference. You body loses a lot of it when you exert. Just take the recommended amount or try some bananas if you like them. Hope this helps.
2006-09-22 02:48:41 · answer #4 · answered by bigjg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These are caused from a potassium deficiency. Try eating a banana as a snack or something. When they do happen try to relax and get up and walk around. I know its awful but it will help them go away faster. Good luck!
2006-09-22 02:45:39 · answer #5 · answered by Jamie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Used to get terrible cramps in my feet and my doctor suggested Quinine water. After drinking it for 1 day..it worked. Also,quinine is available in pharmacies...over the counter. Always consult your pysician first.
2006-09-22 02:59:35 · answer #6 · answered by uliboo13 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take warm baths to loose the muscles , stretch after the activities and massage the muscles
2006-09-22 02:41:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
eat more bananas....you are lacking potassium...also pickle juice will help to alleviate the cramp...or pickles if you cant stand to drink the juice...i think it taste better than plain or cider vinegar
2006-09-22 02:45:42 · answer #8 · answered by cookiesmom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may be that you need more calcium in your diet. Cramping can be a symptom of calcium deficiency
2006-09-22 02:39:54 · answer #9 · answered by jonnyraven 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋