Health Tip: Treating a Charley Horse

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“Charley horse” is another name for a muscle spasm or cramp of the leg. When a muscle cramps, it contracts involuntarily and does not relax.

To treat a charley horse, MedlinePlus suggests:

• Stop activity. Try stretching and massaging the muscle.
• Use heat to relax the muscle initially, then ice after.
• If the muscle is still sore, use anti-inflammatory medicine to ease the pain.

After treatment, MedlinePlus recommends speaking with your doctor to help prevent the cramp from coming back.

Source: HealthDay

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