How to Prevent Charley Horses

Charley horses are painful. A charley horse is basically a muscle cramp that can occur for a variety of reasons. The cramps often come out of nowhere and for seemingly no reason at all. Charley horses usually occur in the foot, calf or thigh. A charley horse happens because blood gets trapped in the muscle and the muscle then hardens due to the trapped blood. This causes the muscle to knot up and cramp and is the source of the pain. You can easily prevent charley horses.

Things You'll Need

• Time
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Water

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Instructions

• 1

  Drink water: A charley horse can be the result of dehydration or lack of water. Make sure you are getting the proper amount of water every day.

• 2

  Take vitamins: A lack of vitamin E or other vitamins can cause charley horses. Take a daily multivitamin or increase your intake of the right foods to get the daily vitamins you need.

• 3

  Try a mineral: Magnesium can also relieve charley horses. Add this mineral to your daily routine to help prevent charley horses.

• 4

  Stretch: Even when you do not exercise, stretching on a daily basis can help to prevent charley horses.