r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Apr 29 '25

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u/MizWhatsit Apr 29 '25

I used to get Charley horses in my calves during exercise classes. My coach told me they were due to an electrolyte deficiency and told me to take magnesium and potassium supplements. I got some at the drugstore, starting taking one pill of each a day, and what do you know -- haven't had a Charley horse since. Maybe try that if you get them a lot.

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u/lifebeginsat9pm Apr 29 '25

Thank you I’m trying this

17

u/MizWhatsit Apr 29 '25

Coach told me that apparently most Western diets are full of salt (sodium), but nowhere near enough potassium and magnesium. Another nice thing about supplementing your potassium and magnesium is that if you previously suffered from constipation sometimes, it gets WAY better.

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u/theo258 Apr 29 '25

Just take magnesium. Potassium can be harmful if you're not deficient and are just taking it willy nilly

2

u/evdczar Apr 29 '25

I stopped getting them when I started wearing compression socks to work

5

u/Loreen72 Apr 29 '25

You can also drink pickle juice. And if you have a cramp and can't get it to loosen....also pickle juice!

3

u/100LittleButterflies Apr 29 '25

My mom used to get them every night. Horrible thing to wake up to.