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7 causes and remedies for foot cramps and charley horses
Have you ever woken up with a paralyzing stiffness in your calf or foot?
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Whether you call it a foot or leg cramp (aka “charley horse”), it’s a common, somewhat mysterious pain that happens when a muscle gets involuntarily stiff and can’t relax.
“They tend to happen more frequently as we age,” says sports medicine specialist Caitlin Lewis, MD. “While they can be uncomfortable, they are rarely harmful.”
Whether day or night, your foot and calf muscles can spasm or cramp. So can various other muscles in your body.
Why? The most common causes for muscle cramps include:
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There are some simple ways to respond to leg and foot cramps:
Here are some simple stretches that can help stop pain and prevent it.
This calf stretch is commonly used by runners. Here’s how to do it:
Do this stretch while you sit:
If leg or foot cramps are an occasional occurrence, you can generally manage them yourself. However, if they happen frequently, are severe, or if you are concerned any of your medications are the culprit, talk to your doctor. They could signal a medical problem that requires treatment.
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