A charley horse is the common name for a muscle spasm, particularly in the leg. Muscle spasms can occur in any muscle in the body. When a muscle is in spasm, it contracts involuntarily and does not relax. So what is Charley Horse, to be simple it is just muscle and leg pain. This can occur during exercise especially during hot weather or at night. The cause is low levels of potassium or dehydration can be a factor too. Or a muscle that is not stretch well can also contribute to pain.

Natural home remedies
When you have sudden muscle stiffness or pain (charley horse), soak in a tub of "old faithful"-Epsom salts. Pour 3 cups into warm water. Stay in the water 20 to 30 minutes and your charley-horse pain may start to ease. Drink some water. Charley Horse are usually related to dehydration. Eat fruits with lots of potassium before an extensive event or exercise. Such fruit like bananas really help. Stretch the area where you have charley horse. Stretching your calf may help.

This remedy is said to be particularly effective for a charley horse. Vigorously scrub three small lemons, two small oranges and one small grapefruit. (If you can get organic produce, do so.) Cut up the six fruits and put them into a blender-peel and all. Add 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar and blend. Store the mixture in a covered jar in the refrigerator.

Take vitamin supplements if your deficient. Frequent charley horse can be caused by deficiency in vitamin E. Take Vitamin E with at least 400 IU(International Units). Dose: To relieve the stiffness, take 2 tablespoons of the concoction with 2 tablespoons of water twice a day-first thing in the morning and right before bedtime.

Prevention
Stretch to improve flexibility. Modify your workouts to exercise within your capabilities. Drink plenty of fluids while exercising and increase your potassium intake (orange juice and bananas are great sources of potassium).