How to Relieve Charlie Horses in Calf Muscles

Charley horses are sharp, sudden cramps that commonly occur in your calf muscles. The exact cause of cramps is difficult to pinpoint but dehydration, tight muscles and low electrolyte levels are considered to be contributing factors. If you experience charley horses while exercising, or even during the night, there are several approaches you can take to relieve the pain. Massage, ice and stretching can help to alleviate the cramping.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack
• Sports drink

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Instructions

• 1

  Stop moving when the charley horse sets in.

• 2

  Stand with your feet planted flat on the ground. Reach your hands up to the sky to gently stretch the back of your legs.

• 3

  Flex your toes by lifting them upwards. This will help to intensify the calf stretch.

• 4

  Sit down on the ground and grasp your calf muscle tightly with both hands. Hold just below the knee with one hand and just above the ankle with the other.

• 5

  Press firmly into the muscle and slide your hands together. Maintain a firm, even pressure.

• 6

  Slide your hands back out to the ends of the muscle then back in. Continue sliding in and out until the pain subsides.

• 7

  Apply an ice pack to your calf and hold on the muscle for up to 10 minutes.

• 8

  Sip a sports drink. Your charley horse may be the result of dehydration or lost electrolytes. Replenish lost fluids by drinking an electrolyte-loaded sports drink.