Home Remedies for a Charley Horse

A charley horse is a muscle spasm that can strike at any time, whether you're lying in bed fast asleep, or at the gym working out. While you can get a charley horse anywhere, they usually occur in the thigh or calf muscle.

Rub the charley horse the right way.

When you have a charley horse, your first instinct is to grab, knead and rub the aching muscle. And it's a good instinct. But don't rub across the muscle affected by the charley horse. Instead, rub and knead down, with the muscle. If the charley horse is in your thigh, start at the knee and rub downwards. If the charley horse is in your bicep, start at the elbow and rub down towards your forearm.

Elevation may help relieve a charley horse.

If you've been hit by a charley horse, elevating the affected limb could help reduce the pain, and make the spasm end sooner. Simply elevate the limb so blood will flow away from the muscle. Massaging the muscle at the same time will provide added relief.

Stretch the charley horse away.

If you've been hit by a charley horse while exercising, stretching will often help. If the charley horse is in your thigh, standing up and, while holding on to something for support, bend the effected leg. Now, grab hold of your foot, and gently pull it up towards your behind.

If the charley horse is in your calf, stand up and slowly bend down to try to touch your toes. Or grab hold to something, like the back of a chair. Stretch the other leg back, with your toes touching the floor. Then slowly and gently press your heel towards the floor.

Stretching before you exercise or perform other physical activities can help prevent a charley horse.

Drink water to prevent a charley horse.

Since a charley horse can be caused by dehydration, keep your body well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. When you're exercising, whether your going for a run or working out in a gym, it's especially important to drink water. So keep a bottle of water at hand during your workout.

Lack of potassium can cause a charley horse.

Since potassium deficiency can lead to a charley horse, make sure you're getting enough. Eat plenty of foods that contain potassium, like bananas. And you can now find bottled water that contains potassium, perfect for your workout.

When a charley horse hits, the pain can be excruciating. But these tips should help you find quick relief from charley horse pain.