Charley Horse!! - How to Treat and Prevent Leg Cramps
It’s only DAY TWO!! Why God, Why? Why do you hate me so much?
In a recent quest to become addicted to “healthy living” versus drinking and “other” living I have begun jog/walking the perimeter at the Rose Bowl at Pasadena. The first day went well enough, no cramps, felt nice and rejuvenated when I got home. A sense of accomplishment and pride filled me and I thought to myself,
“Self, this ain’t so bad…”
Now let’s take that sentiment and try to apply it to DAY TWO, shall we? From the moment I stepped onto the track I felt a marked difference in my calves. I could already sense that “dull ache” that signals major crampage for me. So I took a 10 minute pause and made it a point to try to stretch it out. Felt fine at first and I thought I was in the clear.
However, as we rounded the end of the first lap (3 miles), my calf muscle started to “lock up”, I tried to walk it out, wishing and praying that it would subside but oh no no no, apparently the “powers” that be have a wicked sense of humor. I tried stretching out the calf muscle and it went away for awhile but then in the midst of sit ups in the grass..
BAM!!! Calf muscle just LOCKED UP!!! Like rock hard, flexed shooting pains -LOCKED!! Ya, so I pretty much screamed. What? Call me dramatic but I can not handle charley horses, I spazz out and find it so difficult to flex it out. How can I when the muscle is stuck? So my friend Wendy literally had to force my foot flexed and she started massaging my calf muscle. God bless her.
Well the incident inspired me to research Causes & Treatments for Leg Cramps. Here is what I found:
Causes:
- Muscle Fatigue
- Dehydration
- High Weight (not necessarily obesity)
- Electrolyte Imbalances
- Certain Medications
Treatments:
- Stay Hydrated - Drink at least 3 full glasses of water each day. Including one before bedtime. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after workouts.
- Stretch Regularly - Relaxes muscle fibers, stretch before and AFTER working out
- Train Gradually - Don’t G.I. Jane it like I did, slow and steady seems to be the path…
How to make the cramp go away?
- Massage the cramped muscle
- Stretch the muscle (gently!)
- Take hot shower or bath and let the warm water relax the muscle
I am going to try this stuff tonight guys, I am still going to go to the Rose Bowl (call me crazy, but I must) and “if” it happens again I will give these options a go. Wish me luck please.
Do you guys know any secret quick fire tips to avoid or treat leg cramps?
