Will stretching relieve a painful Charlie Horse?

Stretching is one way to relieve a charley horse cramp in the calf. Other ways to relieve a charley horse include massaging the cramp, applying hot or cold packs, and taking a bath with Epsom salt, according to WebMD.

Charley horses can happen for a variety of reasons, such as through overexertion of the muscle after a strenuous workout or by not stretching the muscle effectively before a workout, advises WebMD. Other causes include dehydration, vitamin and mineral deficiency, and side effects of certain drugs. Stretching before beginning an exercise, increasing the daily regimen of vitamins and minerals, and drinking more water throughout the day prevent the development of charley horses.