Question:
PREOP Charlie Horse? Blood Clot? Low Potassium?

I haven't had surgery yet, but I want to know what is the difference from a Charlie Horse and a blood clot? if any? I thought it was low potassium.    — Patra R. (posted on May 22, 2003)

May 22, 2003
When I get charlie horses frequently I eat a banana a day. drink Gadorade, and decrease my sodium. There has to be so much potassium to however much sodium is in your body. A Charlie Horse is a muscle spasm and comes on suddenly. A blood clot is when your leg or whatever extremity gets hot turns red and is very painful also. The pain can also be felt when the foot is flexed like a charlie horse. After I get a charlie horse in my calf the next day I still have that kink feel in it. I point and flex my foot real hard back and forth slowly and hold it 20 times, and it gets the kink out so you can atleast walk correctly. I hope this helps. (Nursing Student) Shannon D
   — Shannon D.

May 22, 2003
A charlie horse is a muscle cramp commonly caused by low potassium levels. A blood clot is just what is sounds like, a "clump" traveling through your veins/vessels and as far as I know, has nothing to do with potassium levels.
   — Carolyn M.

May 23, 2003
My husband described his very very very bad blood clot as feeling like a charlie horse that would not go away. He ended up being hospitalized for 10 days then off of his feet for another 4 wks. He also had the other classic signs of a blood clot which were redness and feverlike feeling of the skin area. When I had a real bad blood clot the area was red, feverish and I felt like someone kicked me in that area. My dietician advised me that charlie horses are the result of not getting enough water into my system during the day, hence I started drinking 6+ 8oz glasses of water after that a day. Hope this helps your.
   — ChristineB

May 23, 2003
Just to add a little tid bit. My Nurse Practioner said that with a Charlie Horse often standing and walking will relieve the pain in a few mintues. With a blood clot the pain becomes more intense and does not go away when one stands up. If in doubt get it checked out!
   — Robert N.