Saturday, November 5, 2011

Charley Horse

Last night I was woken up by a charley horse in my right calf.....not cool. I was massaging it like crazy to calm it down. it still feels funky this morning when I got up after the hyper cats and noisy hunters woke me up.

I did a little research on some causes of charley horses since I get them often.
From About.com
What causes a leg cramp?
The exact cause of a leg cramp is not well understood, but there are some risk factors that are thought to contribute to this condition:
  • Muscle fatigue
  • Heavy exercising
  • Dehydration
  • High weight (not necessarily obesity)
  • Electrolyte imbalancesPretty sure this is my problem
  • Medications (statins, prednisone, others...)Oh great....
The most common cause that is typically seen in patients who develop leg cramps is exercising in an unusual way, meaning either more activity or a different exercise. Leg cramps are more common in young (adolescent age) and older (over 65) patients. Patients who weigh more are more prone to developing leg cramps. Also, some medications can cause side effects of leg cramping.
Since the marathon/half marathon I have not have well ANY gatorade basically. I was drinking it daily for the most part and then stopped after my seizure.I know I am not terribly dehydrated after drinking nonstop water for the bone scan. I also have not done an exercise so isn't that. So this morning when I got up I made my self so yummy delicious GATORADE!!
Now it is time to get my book, fleece blanket, and sit by the warm fire and enjoy the rest of the morning hours I have in quite.


Good luck to all you racing this weekend!!! I will be dreaming about you during my naps...or maybe that is why I had a charley horse...I was running with you in my sleep!!!

3 comments:

Christy @ My Dirt Road Anthem: A Runner's Blog said...

I used to get them all the time when I was pregnant. Hope you figure out the cause of yours!

XLMIC said...

I found that upping my Magnesium really helped. Hope your Gatorade helps :)

jillconyers said...

I have always wondered what causes leg cramps. When I get them I can never remember if I'm supposed to stretch the leg, keep it immobile or whatever to stop it from hurting.

A book by the fire sounds nice :)