Why do I get a "charlie horse" in my calf muscles when I sleep?

Question

They wake me out of a sound sleep. For that short period of time the pain is severe. It leaves my calf muscles so sore that I limp when I first get out of bed.

Answer 1

You need potassium in your diet. Eat a banana every day or take a supplement and that should stop those leg cramps. Good Luck Charlie Horse----The Worst!!!

Answer 2

This is the first place your body targets when you are dehydrated. Drink lots of water! You should be drinking 8-10 glasses of water each day.

For now, if you have something shaped like a cylinder and made out of hard material (think of a large rolling pin you would use for pizza dough or something) place it under your leg and push down and roll it back and forth...this should massage the spasms out of your leg. It will hurt while you're doing it, but more so the type of pain that actually feels good. If that makes sense.

Answer 3

Darlene is probably correct. That was my thought , also. You might also want to add a little more salt to your diet OR purchase salt tablets from a sporting goods or nutrition store. Finally, DRINK WATER...lots and lots of water. Cramps, especially in the legs and fingers, can also be a symptom of dehydration. So drink up...

This can be a real problem if you're lean, as I am. I have low bodyfat and a high metabolism. I honestly HAVE to carry salt tabs in my pockets during the warmer parts of the year.

Answer 4

You are getting them because you are low on potassium.I used to get them every night and wake me out of a deep sleep like you. I was in pain. I was told my body was asking for potassium so ever day I ate a banana and I swear I have not had a cramp since, Trust me .

Answer 5

Charely horses can ensue in the calf, thigh, or foot. See paragraph 2... The quadriceps contusion sort of "charley horse" is initially taken care of by skill of icing. modern learn have shown that the ensuing tightness and contractions that many times take place may well be lessened by skill of preserving the knee in a completely bent place for the 1st 24 hours to stay away from the in contact muscular tissues from going into spasm. upfront returning to activities events will boost the probability of the main trouble of a charley horse, the deposition of calcium into the hematoma that varieties on the area of injury. This trouble, termed myositis ossificans, can bring about long-term disability. A cramp may well be quickly defused with lively stretching of the affected muscle. Cramps in the calf muscle may well be defused by skill of outstretching the leg, pushing the heel downward, and pointing your feet in the direction of your head. status up with maximum of your weight on the ball of the foot on the cramping part will additionally stretch the gastrocnemius muscle and diffuse the discomfort. in case you sense a cramp commencing, this could many times end it from starting to be to be extra painful. persistent cramps must be taken care of by skill of a doctor.[ Bananas, coconut juice (no longer milk), tonic water (has quinine in it)... stable issues to maintain them at bay.

Answer 6

You are lacking potassium - add a baked potato or a banana to you diet or try a supplement, I swear by them. I used to get them in my toes all the time and be woke me up, talk about a rude awakening.

Answer 7

u might have 2 check w/doc make sure u didn't pull nything. also make sure your well hydrated. drink plenty of liqids during the day, especially after exercising. also u might want to try to add just a bit more salt to ur diet. charlie horses sometimes stem from lack of sodium.

Answer 8

you might be lacking potassium. Eat a banana.