Got a Charley Horse!!!!!!!!!!

Charley Horses, also known as muscle cramps, strike at the most inconvenient times.  And worst of all is when you finally lay down for a good slumber and it strikes! Typically, they occur in the calf muscles and the foot, but other muscles in the body are also capable of similar spasms. If you have been the recipient of one of these, you are well aware of how painful and momentarily debilitating it can be. Funny story, one of our metabolic participants (will remain anonymous to protect the innocent) was recently at a doctor's visit when her foot decided to cramp up. She said she was sitting on the table and suddenly her big toe took on a weird pointing ability. This resulted in immediate jumping off the table and running around the room to get the foot to release while staff looked on. Awkward perhaps, but memorable and no doubt the high light of that doctor's office!

Muscle cramps may be brought on by dehydration which causes electrolyte imbalances.  In addition, heavy exertion, exercising in the heat, muscle fatigue, magnesium or potassium deficiency, pinched nerves may lead to muscle cramps. They may also be a side effect of some medications, or from being in one position for a prolonged period of time. These are the most common reasons for muscle cramps, although other factors or conditions may produce them as well. 

Don't throw away the pickle juice! The American College of Sports Medicine states that pickle juice relieved muscle cramps 45% faster than no fluids and 37% faster than water, according to a study conducted by North Dakota State University.

What can you do? If you experience a spasm, massage the area and try relaxing and very gently stretching it. Other suggested ideas are icing and/or warming the area and Epsom baths. As a prevention, pre-hydrate when you know you will be sweating and hydrate during exertion.  Pay particular attention to hydration in summer heat. Consider supplementing water intake with a sports drink during heavy exertion or prolonged periods of activity. Prevention is preferable. Warm up before exercise and stretch afterwards. Eat a variety of foods to ensure your body is getting necessary vitamins and minerals for optimal function. You may want to try  foods higher in potassium and magnesium. Foods with higher naturally occurring potassium and magnesium are: nuts, beans, variety of fruits, tahini (sesame seed butter), and seaweed (very high). To see specific foods and the levels of potassium and magnesium visit the following site: http://nutritiondata.self.com/foods-000122120118123000000-w.html . 

If you have muscle spasms/cramps frequently and nothing seems to be helping you should seek the advice of a physician as it may be an indicator of other medical conditions.