gettin them? i usually get at least one a week, but the last 4 nites i have woken up with one. i never get them during the day, only when im sleeping.
they wake me up & they hurt so bad, sometimes my calf will hurt for a few days afterwards. this morning it woke me up & i had them in both legs.
why does this keep happening? what causes it? lol and just why do they call them charlie horses haha?
PLEASE HELP!
THANKS!!
2006-11-26 00:55:46 · 6 answers · asked by MANDEE 3 in Health ➔ Other - Health
oh incase it matters im 25, female...obviously & im 5'5" weighing about 115lbs.
2006-11-26 00:56:25 · update #1
I believe a Charlie Horse happens when the muscle tries to do more than the activity requires ie: your sleeping, go to move your leg and your muscle has contracted way to much to make the move.
I've also heard potassium deficiency is a reason and dehydration eat bananas and drink more water if that's a possibility.
No idea where they name came from, you may want to pose that question in another answers site area.
If this continues see a doctor.
Hope this helps.
2006-11-26 01:09:00 · answer #1 · answered by karaborr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gastrocnemius (calf muscle) cramps are caused usually by muscle fatigue/overuse or electrolyte/mineral imbalances. Are you exercising more lately, or have changed your exercise routine? How is the calcium/phosphorus/magnesium/potassium balance in your diet? Sometimes simply adding in extra calcium (in the form of TUMS) will do the trick.
If these are continuing, we may want to run some blood work to see if you are deficient in any of the above elements, and check to make sure your circulation is normal.
also make sure you are getting enough water during the day.
My almost non stop charlie horses are caused by a disc problem in my back but that is a slim chance as you would have other signs
Ps the name dates back to the 19th century from a baseball term but no one can say why for sure. At least that is one thought
2006-11-26 01:03:31 · answer #2 · answered by G L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be a circulation problem and low potassium levels. Peanut butter and bananas will help increase the potassium, or your doc can put you on potassium pills. Let doc look you over before doing anything. I don't know why they're called "charlie horses".
2006-11-26 01:06:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eat bananas or get a multivitamin. You're low in potassium. I haven't got them since I started taking a prenatal vitamin.
2006-11-26 01:01:15 · answer #4 · answered by nokhada5 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take calcium before bedtime. This should stop the cramping in your legs. It also works really well for children going through growth spurts when they get achy bones.
2006-11-26 01:10:05 · answer #5 · answered by d.a.f.f.y. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may be a lack of potassium. Try eating bananas regularly and also make sure you streatch your leg muscles.
2006-11-26 01:00:47 · answer #6 · answered by Chuck763 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋