Many individuals have had the experience of having a peaceful night of sleep interrupted suddenly and without warning by a ‘charley horse’ cramp in some part of their leg or foot, and to make matters worse there is often residual pain even after the cramping has disappeared. Although these cramps happen to people of all ages, two-thirds of those over age 65 have them at one time or another.

Possible reasons for leg/foot cramps may be: poor circulation, lack of enough salt, dehydration, abnormal mineral or hormone levels, pinched nerves, alcohol or tobacco use, partially-obstructed flow of blood to the legs, nutritional deficiency, environmental toxicity or chemical sensitivity. Read more

What is the quickest way to lessen the pain from a charlie horse?

What causes charlie horses — and why is it that I get several in close succession, and then none for years? - Becky