Charlie Horse!

I've been having trouble with my leg lately; a Charlie Horse. OUCH! It happens to me in the middle of the night...or right after I finish walking on my treadmill. I rub really hard on my leg and the worst of the pain is gone; however, I can still feel it throughout the day. Any other ways to get rid of it, besides rubbing it? Could it be the treadmill? I've had problems with my feet since I was little (flat feet, and I had to wear Orthopedic shoes). Even now my feet and ankles swell a lot and I have to wear orthodics sometimes. It's not so bad though. I'm not sure if the Charlie Horse has anything to do with that...

Any suggestions?

Your body is low in Potassium.....Eat a banana before getting on the treadmill......start taking potassium with your regular vitamins.....I ride a bike....LOTS of riding and leg cramps were the worst, especially at night.....get on a regimen of eating a banana before and after exercising.....

Thanks Rhonda! I've actually had a problem with low Potassium before. Several years ago I actually had to be taken to the ER because of that! It was embarrassing because it happened at work, and they had to call an ambulance. It all started because I went on that "cookie diet." I thought it was harmless at the time, because a "doctor" approved it. That taught me such a lesson (and the worst part was, I wasn't even THAT overweight to begin with). I only needed to lose about 10 pounds.

I didn't realize that I was still having this problem...I will try the banana right before the treadmill when I get home. Thank you!

My Aunt went to the hospital with low potassium, so apparently, everyone can have problems with it and some, have it worse than others....mine began when I went through chemo....it depleated my body of everything good.....so I started eating bananas before working out....had to start taking potassium when I started riding so much.....as you know, having Charlie wake you up in the middle of the night from a deep sleep, is no fun....good luck!

Thank you!

Hey, no more Charlie! LOL I had a banana before doing the treamill, and it didn't hurt. No pain last night either. I also had a banana this morning, and so far, I'm fine! Thanks again, Rhonda!

Also, make sure you stretch our muscles before working out or walking. I have gotten into the habit of actually shaking my calf muscles out before I climb into bed. On a whim I started it in HS and I immediately noticed how good it felt.

I do get them occasionally at night. If you ever do get them, pull your toes up towards your leg. It gets rid of them right away for me at least.

Thank you, Deem & Debbie! I will definitely try each one of your advice.