Charlie Horses and Cramping: What helps?

Posted by sickteacher @sickteacher, Nov 8, 2022

Hello! I have been experiencing tremendously painful Charlie Horses / cramps in my feet, legs and even abdomen if I bend over. I don’t even know what doctor to go to for this issue, as I have seen so many specialists for other long Covid and have just heard the typical “drink more water and eat bananas type advice.” I just woke up screaming with one in my calf and woke up my entire family. Any advice of what type of doctor to go to or how else to help would be greatly appreciated!

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donnajones | @donnajones | May 19 7:05am

In reply to @colleenyoung "@flower12345, I moved your question about leg cramps to this discussion: - Charlie Horses and Cramping:..." + (show)

Have you had your electrolytes checked lately? Specifically your Potassium, mag and calcium?

dloos | @dloos | May 19 6:11pm

You are probably short on potassium, but replacing individual electrolytes can be tricky. Magnesium and potassium work well together, or look for a good electrolyte drink like Liquid IV. You can get it at Costco (probably other places too). It comes in sugar free which I prefer.
Good luck. I think it has helped me.

searcher1 | @searcher1 | May 20 7:52am

From BBC:
If you think about the cramp remedy that you see on a sports field, it gives us a big clue that this does not have much to do with salt. When we feel that agonising pain, the best evidence suggests that it is stretching out the muscle, not fluids, that provides relief. If you feel that pain in your calf muscle you grasp your toes and gently ease your foot towards you. This stretches the muscle and eventually eases the pain. No increase in sodium levels, by whatever means, are needed.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20120430-are-cramps-due-to-lack-of-salt