Wellness Tips - Leg Cramps also called Charley Horse

Muscle cramps in your legs come on suddenly; they are involuntary spasms in your muscles, which can be very painful. The cramping usually occurs at night. They can result from inadequate blood supply, mineral depletion, and other conditions such as kidney, thyroid disorders, diabetes, hypoglycemia, and anemia.

If you do get a leg cramp, you may be able to help it go away by doing the following:

• Walking
• Massaging the affected muscle
• Straightening your leg and flexing your foot toward your head until you feel the calf muscle stretch
• Apply a cold pack to the affected muscle
• Take a hot bath

To help prevent might leg cramps do the following:

• Drink plenty of fluids during the day; fluids help your muscles relax
• Stretch your leg muscles before bedtime
• Get adequate potassium in your diet, banana’s are a good source of potassium

If you are having frequent and severe leg cramps at night, call your physician.

This information is not intended to take the place of any advice given to you by your healthcare professional(s). They know what your specific medical conditions and medications are.