Fitness Friday: Ouch – Charley Horse!

Posted Jan 16 2015 in Charley Horse, Exercise, Friday Fitness

This morning I was relaxing in a recliner when my calf muscle just started to spasm. I really hate charley horses. They are painful, and even after stretching them out they tend to linger.

A charley horse is really just a muscle spasm. I get them occasionally. Usually in bed or when I’m relaxing. What has helped me: drinking a glass of milk or orange juice and eating a banana. A hot bath works wonders, as does ice after the fact. If I’m still sore at the end of the day, I pop a couple of ibuprofen as well. And of course, hydrating. 

I find I usually get them when I’ve upped my exercise a bit and aren’t as hydrated as I should be.

According to the National Institutes of Health

• “Stretch to improve your flexibility.
• Change your workouts so that you are exercising within your ability.
• Drink plenty of fluids while exercising and increase your potassium intake. Orange juice and bananas are great sources of potassium.”

I would love to know if you have any great suggestions on dealing with charley horses! Happy Excercising!

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