Massage, a bath with Epsom salts, or a heating pad can relax the muscle. To fight pain, use an ice pack or take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or naproxen. In most cases, the charley horse will stop within a few minutes.
What causes painful Charlie horses in legs?
Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle strain or simply holding a position for a prolonged period can cause a muscle cramp. In many cases, however, the cause isn’t known. Although most muscle cramps are harmless, some may be related to an underlying medical condition, such as: Inadequate blood supply.
How do you get rid of leg cramps fast?
If you have a cramp, these actions may provide relief:
- Stretch and massage. Stretch the cramped muscle and gently rub it to help it relax. For a calf cramp, put your weight on your cramped leg and bend your knee slightly.
- Apply heat or cold. Use a warm towel or heating pad on tense or tight muscles.
How do you stop Charlie horses in your legs?
Preventing charley horses
- Stretch before and after exercise.
- Avoid exercising the same muscles on consecutive days.
- Do not exercise in severe weather.
- Drink water throughout the day.
- Drink beverages that contain electrolytes, such as Gatorade.
- Stretch before going to bed.
What deficiency causes Charlie horses?
A mineral deficiency or an imbalance of electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium is also likely to increase one’s odds of getting a charley horse. Electrolytes are certain minerals that play an important role in muscle function.
What’s the difference between a Charlie horse and a cramp?
A sustained muscle spasm is called a muscle cramp. Leg muscles, especially the quadriceps (thigh), hamstrings (back of thigh), and gastrocnemius (calves), are most likely to cramp, but any skeletal muscle in the body can cramp. A “charley horse” is another name for a muscle cramp.
What can I drink for leg cramps?
Drink Water Dehydration often plays a part in muscle cramps, so drinking enough water throughout the day can help keep them at bay. Drinking fluids while you have a cramp helps the muscles contract and relax. When you keep hydrated, your muscle cells also stay hydrated and are less irritable or uncomfortable.
Does pickle juice help cramps?
The same set of researchers also did a test on pickle juice for cramps earlier in 2010. They found that it did work to shorten cramp duration. On average, it relieved cramps in about 1.5 minutes, and 45 percent faster than when nothing was taken after exercise.
What foods trigger leg cramps?
WHAT FOODS CAN CAUSE MUSCLE CRAMPS?
- Refined carbs like white bread are devoid of nutrients.
- Excessive red meat consumption is bad due to nitrates.
- Fast food is full of trans fats.
- Foods with refined sugar such as packaged muffins are full of artificial ingredients.
- Salty foods can wreak havoc on the body.
Will drinking water help with leg cramps?
Since muscle cramps are sometimes caused by dehydration (loss of water) and low levels of potassium, they frequently strike in hot weather, when your body loses water, salt, and minerals through sweating. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, may help to ward off cramps.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a Charlie horse?
Massage, a bath with Epsom salts, or a heating pad can relax the muscle. To fight pain, use an ice pack or take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or naproxen. In most cases, the charley horse will stop within a few minutes. But if you get them often and for no clear reason, tell your doctor.
Do bananas help charley horses?
You probably know that bananas are a good source of potassium. But they’ll also give you magnesium and calcium. That’s three out of four nutrients you need to ease muscle cramps tucked under that yellow peel. No wonder bananas are a popular, quick choice for cramp relief.
How do you get rid of Charlie horses at night?
The next time a leg cramp strikes, try some of these tips:
- Stretch the muscle.
- Get out of bed and stand with your foot flat on the floor. Press down firmly.
- Massage the muscle.
- Flex your foot.
- Grab your toes and pull them toward you.
- Ice the cramp.
- Take a warm bath.
What is the best vitamin for leg cramps?
A significant body of research has found that increasing your magnesium intake can help with the frequency of night time leg cramps, especially for pregnant women. Health experts recommend getting at least 300 milligrams of magnesium each day.
Do you put heat or ice on a Charlie horse?
Heat will relax the muscle at first. Ice may be helpful after the first spasm and when the pain has improved. If the muscle is still sore after heat and ice, you can use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines to help with pain. In more severe cases, your health care provider can prescribe antispasm medicines.
Why is it called charley horse?
We know that the term charley horse originated when American baseball players were describing the cramps. Possibly, the players named the painful cramps in reference to a lame horse named Charley that worked at the Chicago White Sox playing field in the late 1800s.
Charley Horse
Charley horse (also known as Acharley) is a muscle spasm, which occurs when a muscle contracts up on its own without any external stimulus. Muscle cramps can occur anywhere on your body at any time. They’re rather frequent in the legs.
Charley Horse Causes
Among the things that might set off a charley horse are:
- One or more of the following can set off a Charlie horse:
Muscle cramps are also a side effect of various medications, such as those listed below:
- Diuretics (often known as “water pills”) are medications that remove fluid from your body, such as furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), and others. It is used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Donepezil (Aricept) is a medication. Neostigmine (Prostigmine), which is used to treat myasthenia gravis
- Nifedipine (Procardia), which is used to treat angina and excessive blood pressure
- And other medications. Raloxifene (Evista), a drug used to treat osteoporosis. Medications for asthma, include terbutaline (Brethine) and albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)
- Tolcapone (Tasmar), which is used to treat Parkinson’s disease. cholesterol-lowering statins such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), or simvastatin (Zocor)
- Statins for diabetes
- Statins for high blood pressure
Charley Horse Risk Factors
Certain persons are more prone to getting charley horses than others:
- Overweight or obese people over the age of 50
- Athletes, pregnant women, and pregnant women Those who suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, thyroid, liver, or nervous system problems
Charley Horse Diagnosis
There is no need to visit your doctor unless you have a charley horse in addition to one of the following conditions:
- A feeling of weakness or numbness
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive perspiration (which might result in dehydration)
- Overindulging in alcoholic beverages
Your symptoms and medical history will be discussed with you by your doctor. They’ll also do a physical examination. They may conduct blood tests, muscle testing, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies to rule out a medical issue that is causing the cramping.
Charley Horse Treatment
If you get a charley horse in your calf or in the back of your thigh (hamstring), place your weight on the afflicted leg and gently bend your knees to relieve the discomfort. Alternatively, you can sit or lie down with your leg out straight and lift the top of your foot towards your head. Holding on to a chair while bending the knee of the afflicted leg will relieve a cramp in the front of your thigh (quadriceps). Pulling your foot up near your buttock will help you feel more comfortable. Massage, an Epsom salt bath, or the use of a heating pad can all help to relax the muscle.
Most of the time, the charley horse will come to a halt within a few minutes.
Charley Horse Prevention
Preventing cramps from occurring in the first place:
- Preventing cramps from occurring in the first place can be accomplished by:
How to get rid of muscle cramps in your legs
Preventing cramps from occurring in the first place can help:
Symptoms of muscle cramps
They can include the following:
- Pain and stiffness in a muscle that occurs suddenly, usually in the calf
- A firm lump or twitching under the skin that is only transitory
Diagnosing muscle cramps
The majority of cramps are mild to moderate in severity, but if your cramps are severe, you get them frequently, or you are experiencing other symptoms (such as numbness or weakness) in addition to them, visit your doctor. Crampings are a symptom of a problem with the spine, blood vessels, or liver in rare cases.
Treating muscle cramps
The majority of cramps will subside on their own within a few minutes. Relaxing the muscle by massaging it or gently extending it will aid in its recovery. Heat is a great way to relax stiff muscles. Massage the muscle with a heating pad or a warm damp towel to aid with the relaxation process. Ensure that you drink lots of fluids before and throughout exercise to avoid leg cramps in the future. Muscles require fluid in order to contract and relax correctly. Warming up your leg muscles before you start out with either walking in place or a gentle jog will help prevent tightness.
If you have a tendency to experience cramps while sleeping, perform another round of stretches before bed.
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Please include a note of the date of the most recent review or update for each article. No information on this site, regardless of when it was published, should ever be considered as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or another trained healthcare professional.
Charley Horse: Causes, Risks, and Treatments
We feature goods that we believe will be of interest to our readers. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of the links on this page, we may receive a small commission. Here’s how we went about it. What is a charley horse and how does it work? Amuscle spasm is referred to as “charley horse” in some circles. Charlie horses may affect any muscle, although they are most commonly found in the legs and thighs. These spasms are characterized by uncomfortably tight muscular contractions in the affected area.
- When charley horses are severe, they can cause muscular discomfort that can last anywhere from a few hours to a day.
- Charley horses are often curable at home, especially if they occur on a regular basis and are mild.
- Your doctor can assist you in determining the source of your recurring charley horses.
- Cramping or spasming of a muscle can be caused by a variety of circumstances.
- Exercising in extreme heat or cold, overusing a specific muscle during exercise, and tension (which is most commonly felt in the neck muscles) are all possible causes of muscle injuries. not warming up before a workout session
- Dehydration
- Using diuretics, which can cause low potassium levels
- Mineral depletion, or having too little calcium, potassium, and sodium in the blood
- Nerve compression in the spine
Numerous people report having charley horses during their sleeping hours and being roused as a result of them. Muscle spasms that create charley horses as you sleep are a typical occurrence in the population. However, the exact reason for the occurrence of these evening spams is still a mystery. It is considered that laying in an uncomfortable position in bed for an extended period of time contributes to this condition. Muscle spasms can occur at any age and in any situation. As well as occurring at any time of day or night, a charley horse can occur at any location.
- Athletes, newborns, elderly persons, those who are obese, people who are taking certain medications such as diuretics, raloxifene (Evista), orstatin treatments, and people who smoke are just a few examples of who should avoid smoking.
Because of poor circulation in their legs, people who are fat are more prone to develop charley horses than other people. Athletesoften suffers from charley horses as a result of muscular exhaustion or excessive usage. The occurrence of the odd charley horse does not necessitate a formal medical diagnosis. Your doctor, on the other hand, should look into the frequency and recurrence of muscular spasms. This would apply if a charley horse appeared more than once a week without a satisfactory explanation for the occurrences.
- In order to determine whether nerve compression is the source of repeated charley horses, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be performed.
- It may also be necessary to do laboratory tests to rule out the presence of low potassium, calcium, or magnesium levels.
- The therapy for charley horses is determined on the underlying cause of the problem.
- Heating pads can assist to speed up the process of relaxing, while an ice pack can aid to dull the discomfort.
- A more forceful approach is required for recurrent charley horses.
- In extreme circumstances, your doctor may prescribe an antispasmodic medicine to alleviate the symptoms.
- In extreme circumstances, your doctor may recommend that you have surgery performed.
- If your spasms are caused by nerve compression, this may be of assistance.
- In order to ease the discomfort associated with a charley horse, you can apply pressure to the region of the cramp with your hands during the procedure.
You may also try applying pressure to the spot of the cramp with both of your thumbs, gradually increasing the pressure until the pain subsides. If you have a charley horse in your leg, you can try the following stretches to see if they help to alleviate the discomfort:
- Standing up and lunging forward on the front leg of the leg that is not experiencing muscular cramping
- Straightening the back of the leg that is experiencing the cramp and lunging forward on the rear leg of the leg that is experiencing the cramp
For a few seconds, you can also stand on the tips of your toes in order to stretch out your calf muscles. The symptoms of the occasional charley horse are often straightforward to avoid after the underlying cause has been identified and addressed. Take the following actions to reduce your risk of future muscle spasms:
- You may also stretch your calf muscles by standing on the tips of your toes for a few seconds. The symptoms of the occasional charley horse are often straightforward to prevent after the underlying cause has been identified and addressed. Consider taking the following strategies to reduce your risk of future muscle spasms:
A frequent occurrence, Charley horses can arise in any muscle and at any moment. They’re typically curable, and in certain cases, they can even be prevented. Pain induced by a spasm is usually temporary, lasting no more than a day or two. However, if you are experiencing charley horses on a regular basis, you should consult your doctor about possible remedies.
7 Ways to Prevent Night Leg Cramps (Charley Horses)
Have you ever gone to bed and woken up with a terrible leg cramp? If so, you are not alone. If you suffer from night leg cramps, also known as nocturnal leg cramps, it can be a living nightmare. Cavernous calf spasms and thigh cramps are characterized by rapid, unpleasant (and often severe) spasms in the calf muscles and thighs, but they can also affect your feet. They can happen when you are awake, although they happen the most frequently at night.
Causes for Nocturnal Leg Cramps
Despite the fact that night leg cramps are sometimes referred to as “charley horses,” there is no Charley and certainly no horse responsible for their occurrence. You might be wondering what might be prompting these unpleasant admonitions to get out of bed in the morning. According to Dr. Joyce Lee-Iannotti of Banner Health in Phoenix, Arizona, “No one really knows the exact cause of leg cramps at night, but there are some known factors that can increase your risk,” she said. “No one really knows the exact cause of leg cramps at night, but there are some known factors that can increase your risk.” These considerations are as follows:
- Your chronological age is: The prevalence of nocturnal leg cramps in those over the age of 50 is thought to be close to 60 percent. Pregnancy: This may arise as a result of increased weight and changes in circulation. Individuals suffering from renal and thyroid disorders, as well as those suffering from peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage in the legs), may have leg cramps. Medications that may be used include: Leg cramps may be exacerbated by some drugs, such as diuretics, blood pressure meds, or statins.
In addition, Dr. Lee-Iannotti stated that overexerting your muscles, sitting for extended periods of time without moving, dehydration, and standing and walking on hard surfaces all day are all risk factors for osteoporosis.
Could it be Restless Leg Syndrome?
Nighttime leg cramps are sometimes confused with another illness known as restless leg syndrome, or RLS, which causes tingling in the legs. Leg cramps, like restless leg syndrome, are most common while the person is at rest. Leg cramps, on the other hand, cause muscular tension, cramping, and discomfort, whereas muscle cramps do not. A odd and uncomfortable impulse to move your legs will occur while you are suffering from RLS in attempt to relieve discomfort, although there is typically no pain connected with it.
7 Ways to Relieve and Prevent Leg Cramps at Night
The good news is that, despite the fact that they can be quite painful, nocturnal leg cramps are seldom life-threatening. There are seven home treatments you may attempt to assist ease discomfort and perhaps avoid uncomfortable wake-up calls, but some of them may require a little of trial and error.
- You should stretch your hamstring and calf muscles many times during the day and before night
- Throughout the day, drink lots of water and keep an eye on your alcohol and caffeine intake
- Mild workouts, like as walking or riding a stationary bike for a few minutes, can be done before bed to help you relax. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating properly, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep
- Take a warm bath or shower to relieve tension in your muscles
- Wearing supportive shoes with enough arch and ankle support is recommended. Keep your sheets and blankets free around your feet so that you are not constrained in your movements during the night.
Stretch your hamstring and calf muscles throughout the day and before you go to sleep; and Drink lots of water throughout the day, and keep an eye on your alcohol and caffeine intakes. Prevent insomnia by engaging in light physical activity before bedtime, such as walking or riding the stationary cycle for a few minutes; Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating properly, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep; and Take a warm bath or shower to relieve sore muscles and joints. Maintain correct arch and ankle support by wearing supportive shoes.
Charley horse: Causes, symptoms, remedies, and more
A charley horse is a muscular spasm that occurs suddenly and is extremely painful. It is more common after physical activity and at night. A calf muscle strain is most usually associated with lower leg pain, although it can also manifest itself in the foot and, on rare occasions, the thigh. These muscular spasms may also be experienced by pregnant women and persons suffering from certain medical disorders. Leg cramps afflict around a third of the population over the age of 50. According to a paper published in 2021, experts are unsure about the actual cause of muscular cramping.
Muscle cramps can be caused by a variety of factors, including the following:
- Nocturnal leg cramps may be caused by vigorous daily exercise, electrolyte imbalances, or the use of certain drugs
- Nevertheless, there is no definitive cause for them. Muscle cramps during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of factors, including weight growth, blood flow disturbance, and peripheral nerve compression. Cramping can occur during or after exercise due to a variety of factors including neurological changes, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances, particularly in the arms and legs.
Crampings, particularly those that afflict the leg, are referred to as “charley horses.” Despite the fact that some individuals use the term “charley horse” to describe muscular spasms or twitches, these are two very distinct events. In general, clinicians understand the need of distinguishing between cramps and other disorders that appear to be the same as cramps, such as the following:
- Dystonia is a movement condition characterized by involuntary movements
- Myotonia is the process of muscles tensing, which includes both voluntarily flexing and involuntarily contracting
- And dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary movements. Tetany, which is an electrolyte imbalance caused by low calcium levels
- Myalgia, which is muscular soreness
Scientists have determined that a charley horse arises when muscles abruptly spasm or constrict, resulting in pain and discomfort. The ailment most commonly affects the calf muscle, which is located towards the rear of the lower leg. The abrupt and uncontrolled spasm is usually short, but it can linger for up to ten minutes in certain cases. The majority of people have unpleasant muscular contractions that do not result in long-term difficulties. Others, on the other hand, may have excruciating agony and suffering that lasts for several days.
Painful leg cramps, for example, might make it more difficult to move about and get around.
Additionally, the timing of a cramp might have an impact on its significance.
According to an analysis published in 2021, there are various risk factors for leg cramps:
- Being above the age of 60: A total of 37 percent of Americans over the age of 60 suffer from nocturnal leg cramps
- Being pregnant entails a number of changes. Cramping of the muscles occurs in around 50% of pregnant women, especially at night. If you have chronic renal failure, you may have the following symptoms: People suffering from chronic renal failure account for around 50% of the population. Muscle cramps, particularly in the legs, are experienced
- Having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) means you have the following symptoms: Muscle cramps are common in people with ALS, with a 95 percent risk of having them. Having diabetes is a medical condition. Muscle cramps are experienced by around 60% of persons with type 1 diabetes. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is around 80% in the general population.
A person who is over the age of sixty-five: Nighttime leg cramps afflict around 37 percent of Americans over the age of 60. Experiencing pregnancy entails the following: Cramping of the muscles occurs in around 50% of pregnant women, particularly at night. If you have chronic renal failure, you may have the following symptoms. Chronic renal failure affects around 50% of the population. Muscle cramps, particularly in the legs, are experienced. Having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) means that you have the following: Muscle cramps are quite common in people with ALS, with a 95% likelihood of occurring.
In persons with type 1 diabetes, muscular cramps affect around 60% of the population.
The percentage of patients with type 2 diabetes is around 80%.
- Trauma, deep vein thrombosis, a burst Baker’s cyst, to name a few conditions.
Following a review of publications published in 2017, researchers discovered that the following categories of sickness are frequently associated with leg cramps:
- A number of diseases and treatments are available for cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and uremia
- Neurological conditions such as motor neuron disease and polio
- And musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis. Metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and thyroid dysfunction are also available.
Drugs and muscle cramps
Leg cramps are a common side effect of several medications. Staminoids, which assist decrease cholesterol levels, and diuretics, which help lower blood pressure levels, are examples of such medications. Some stimulants, such as amphetamines and caffeine, may also cause a charley horse or a leg cramp if taken in large quantities. Anyone who experiences leg cramps after taking prescription medications should consult with a doctor or pharmacist, who can provide advice on whether or not the medicine should be changed.
When the frequency or severity of muscular cramping increases, it is important to see a doctor since it might indicate an underlying condition that needs to be addressed.
- It is important to know what the cramping feels like and where it occurs
- When and how often the cramps occur
- How severe the cramps are
- Whether they have started recently
- The person’s exercise habits
- Whether the person has any other symptoms, medical problems, or is taking any medications
- And whether the person is pregnant.
According to the 2021 study, a doctor may also instruct the patient to conduct stretches around the area afflicted by cramps or to move muscles in the surrounding area. This information can assist the doctor in determining the likely reason. In accordance with current research, quinine appears to be the only medicine that can help lower the intensity and frequency of leg cramps. Doctors, on the other hand, are reluctant to suggest this medication since its usefulness is questionable, despite the possibility of major adverse effects.
- Standing or moving the leg or foot will help to gently stretch out the muscle. Pulling the toes and the foot up and to the front of the leg should be firm but not harsh. Continue to perform these exercises until the cramping subsides and disappears.
A massage of the tight muscle has been shown to be effective by some persons. Depending on whether there are evidence of an underlying disease that may be causing the cramping, a doctor may recommend more tests. If a person is taking a medication that increases the likelihood of cramping, a doctor may decide to modify the medication or the dosage. A person may want to attempt the following methods to avoid getting a charley horse or a muscular cramp:
- A massage of the tight muscle has been shown to be effective for some persons. Dr. A can recommend further testing if there are any indications that an underlying issue is the source of the cramping. It is possible for a doctor to adjust the dosage of a medication if it is known to raise the likelihood of cramping in the patient. One might attempt the following remedies in order to avoid getting a charley horse or muscular cramp:
A number of individuals take magnesium supplements to try to ease muscle cramps. However, evidence shows that magnesium supplements are ineffective in alleviating either pregnancy-related leg cramps or nocturnal leg cramps in women. Changes that may be beneficial, despite the lack of scientific evidence to support them, include the following:
- The use of relaxation techniques such as massage and heat treatment, as well as the use of alternative footwear, are all recommended. for people who lead a physically inactive existence, physical activity
Although the exact origin of the phrase is unknown, sources claim that the term charley horse, which is used to describe a muscular cramp, dates back to casual American athletic discourse that began in the 1880s and continues today. One explanation holds that the name originated from a baseball player who was referring to a lame horse. Horses were formerly employed to assist with groundskeeping duties in baseball. The name was allegedly derived from a baseball player named Charley, who had muscular cramps while pitching during a game in 1880, according to a tale that published in the Washington Post in 1907.
A charley horse, often known as a leg cramp, is a frequent ailment that does not generally signal the presence of a major medical condition.
Charley horse can be difficult to cure or avoid, with the exception of warming up before physical activity and staying hydrated throughout the process.
It is recommended that a person get medical attention if their cramps are severe and they are experiencing additional symptoms such as altered level of awareness or fever.
Muscle Cramps
Charley horse is another name for this animal. On this page, you will find
See, Play and Learn
When you get a muscle cramp, it means that one or more of your muscles clench or spasm suddenly and without warning. They are quite prevalent and frequently arise as a result of physical activity. Muscle cramps, particularly leg cramps, can be a problem for certain people at night. They can be uncomfortable and can last anywhere from a few seconds to many minutes. Cramping can occur in any muscle, although it occurs most frequently in the following:
What causes muscle cramps?
Muscle cramps can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Overexerting or overstretching a muscle. This is the most prevalent reason for the problem. If you suffer from a spinal cord injury or a pinched nerve in your neck or back, you may experience compression of your nerves. Dehydration
- Elevated amounts of electrolytes (e.g., magnesium, potassium, and calcium)
- There is insufficient blood flow to your muscles
- Pregnancy, certain medications, and other factors Gettingdialysis
Muscle cramps can have a variety of causes, some of which are unknown.
Who is at risk for muscle cramps?
Muscle cramps can occur in everyone, however they are more prevalent in certain individuals:
- Athletes
- People over the age of 50
- Those who are overweight Women who are pregnant
- Those who have specific medical issues, such as thyroid and nervous system abnormalities
When do I need to see a health care provider for muscle cramps?
Muscle cramps are normally mild and disappear after a few minutes of occurrence. However, you should consult your health-care practitioner if you have the following symptoms:
- Are really harsh
- This occurs on a regular basis
- Stretching and consuming plenty of water will not help you feel better
- Last for a lengthy period of time
- These symptoms are accompanied by swelling, redness, or a warm sensation
- These symptoms are accompanied by muscular weakness.
What are the treatments for muscle cramps?
Muscle cramps are typically not serious and do not require medical attention. You may be able to get some relief from cramps if you do the following:
- Using gentle stretching or massage motions to relax the muscle Applying heat when a muscle is tight and ice when a muscle is painful will help to relieve the pain. If you are dehydrated, you should drink extra water.
If the cramps are caused by another medical condition, addressing that condition will most likely alleviate them. When it comes to cramp prevention, there are medications available that are occasionally prescribed by doctors, but they are not always helpful and may have negative effects. Consult with your healthcare practitioner about the risks and advantages of taking medications.
Can muscle cramps be prevented?
You may avoid muscular cramps by doing the following:
- Stretch your muscles, especially before you engage in strenuous activity. If you get leg cramps at night on a regular basis, stretch your leg muscles before bed and drink lots of water. Using sports drinks can help you replenish electrolytes if you engage in strenuous exercise or exercise in hot weather
Muscle cramp – Symptoms and causes
When you have a muscle cramp, one or more of your muscles tighten in an unexpected and involuntary manner. If you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night or been stopped in your tracks by a sudden charley horse, you know that muscular cramps may be excruciatingly painful to deal with. Muscle cramps, though normally innocuous, can make it hard to utilize the afflicted muscle for a short period of time. Muscle cramps can occur after prolonged durations of physical activity or manual labor, particularly in hot temperatures.
The majority of the time, self-care procedures may be used to cure muscular cramps at home.
Symptoms
The majority of muscular cramps occur in the leg muscles, notably in the calf muscles. Besides feeling or seeing a mass of muscle tissue beneath your skin, you may also experience or notice a quick, acute discomfort.
When to see a doctor
Muscle cramps normally go away on their own and are not acute enough to necessitate medical attention in most cases. Consult your doctor if your cramps include any of the following symptoms:
- Result in extreme discomfort
- Are connected with leg edema, redness, or changes in the appearance of the skin
- These conditions are connected with muscular weakness. This occurs on a regular basis
- Self-care does not help
- Instead, it makes things worse. Don’t appear to be related with a clearly identifiable cause, such as severe exercise
Causes
Muscle cramps can be caused by overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle tension, or just being in one posture for an extended amount of time. In many situations, however, the exact reason for the condition is unknown. Although the vast majority of muscular cramps are innocuous, some may be associated with a medical condition such as one of the following:
- There is insufficient blood supply. When the arteries that supply blood to your legs become narrowed (a condition known as arteriosclerosis of the extremities), it might cause cramp-like pain in your legs and feet when you’re exercising. These pains normally subside after a few minutes of ceasing exercise. Compression of the nerves. Compression of nerves in your spine (lumbar stenosis) can cause cramp-like pain in your legs as well as other symptoms. The discomfort normally intensifies as you walk for a longer period of time. If you walk in a slightly flexed stance, such as you would if you were pulling a shopping cart in front of you, you may find that your symptoms improve or are delayed in onset.
- Mineral depletion is a problem. Leg cramps might be exacerbated if you consume too little potassium, calcium, or magnesium. Diuretics, which are commonly taken to treat high blood pressure, can also deplete these minerals in the body.
Risk factors
Muscle cramps can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which are as follows:
- Age. Because older persons lose muscular mass, the residual muscle is more susceptible to being overstressed
- Dehydration. Cramping is common in athletes who become weary and dehydrated when participating in warm-weather activities. Cramping is also common in pregnant women. Muscle cramps are also prevalent during pregnancy
- However, they are less severe. Medical conditions are listed below. It is possible that you will be more susceptible to muscular cramps if you have diabetes, or if you have nerve, liver, or thyroid diseases.
Prevention
Cramping may be avoided by following these steps:
- Dehydration should be avoided. Drink enough of fluids on a daily basis. This varies depending on your diet, your gender, your level of exercise, the weather, your physical and mental well-being, your age, and the drugs you take. Fluids aid in the contraction and relaxation of your muscles, as well as keeping muscle cells hydrated and less irritable. Replace fluids at regular intervals while your exercise, and continue to drink water or other fluids after you’ve stopped
- Make sure to stretch your muscles. Stretching should be done before and after using any muscle for a lengthy amount of time. Stretching before bedtime might help if you suffer from leg cramps at night. Light activity, such as riding a stationary bicycle for a few minutes before night, may also be beneficial in preventing cramps while you’re sleeping
- For example,
3rd of March, 2021
- Muscle cramps are a painful condition. An acronym for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Winkelman JW (accessed November 18, 2015)
- Winkelman JW. Leg cramps that occur during night. Muscle spasms, last accessed on November 18, 2015. Professional Edition of the Merck Manual. On November 18, 2015, I was able to access
Charley Horse, Leg Cramp Pain Relief
Restless leg syndrome (RLS), which is similar to leg cramps, is more common in older persons and happens more frequently at night. The symptoms of the two illnesses, on the other hand, are vastly different. Walking or moving your legs is the most common symptom of restless leg syndrome (RLS), and the need to do so might linger for an hour or more. Leg cramps are uncomfortable and can last anywhere from a few seconds to many minutes. Crawling, hurting, and tingling feelings are also experienced by RLS sufferers, which are typically felt in their lower legs.
Check your meds
Researchers from the Archives of Internal Medicine discovered that several diuretics (used to treat high blood pressure), statins (used to treat high blood cholesterol), and long-acting beta agonists (used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, among other conditions) may exacerbate nocturnal cramping. Talk to your doctor about your cramping symptoms if they become a problem after you’ve begun taking one of these types of drugs.
Check your electrolytes
Muscle cramps have been related to low potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels in the bloodstream. Although there has been no conclusive evidence that a diet high in these minerals helps prevent cramps, it is possible that it does. A high potassium diet, such as that found in bananas and oranges (which are commonly linked with cramp relief), along with magnesium-rich foods such as brown rice, almonds, and avocadoes, is recommended. Spinach has high levels of all three minerals.
Get enough to drink
Dehydration has not been confirmed to induce leg cramps in studies, although it may play a role in their development. As we grow older, our sense of thirst becomes less acute, and as a result, we drink less water. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.
Loosen the covers
When you are standing, sitting, or laying in certain situations, your muscles might get aggravated and cramp up. Sleeping on your back beneath blankets that are securely tucked in can cause your toes to be pressed down, which can cause your calf and foot muscles to tense and cramp as a result of the pressure. The Complete Home Wellness Handbook from the University of California at Berkeley suggests sleeping on your side with your knees bent and relaxing your sheets and blankets to prevent them from dragging down your feet as you sleep.
Wear comfortable shoes
According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, those who have flat feet may be more susceptible to foot and leg cramps, therefore wearing footwear with strong arch supports is essential for their health. Aside from that, try to avoid wearing high heels, which can cause foot and calf muscles to get stressed by being forced to remain in a shorter or tighter position for extended periods of time.
What is a Charley Horse and How Can I Ease My Muscle Cramp? – New England Baptist Hospital
A “Charley Horse” is another term for a muscular spasm, which is characterized by painful contractions of your muscles that last several seconds. Although they can occur in any muscle, they are most frequently seen in the legs. It is possible to develop a Charley horse due to a variety of factors such as muscular injury or tension, misuse or not stretching sufficiently, or even dehydration. Anyone can suffer a Charley horse, although the elderly and athletes are the ones who are most likely to do so.
Several variables, including not drinking enough water, having poor muscular fitness, and taking certain drugs, increase the likelihood of developing a Charley horse as individuals become older, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA).
There are a few things you may do to alleviate the discomfort caused by your Charley horse.
It is also possible to reduce muscular tension by using an ice pack for 10-15 minutes after a vigorous workout session. If you get a Charley horse at the back of your leg or calf, here are some methods to help you relax your muscles:
- To relieve the cramp, try walking about and keeping your legs moving for a few minutes or until the tightness subsides. While seated, maintain your constricted leg straight and extended in front of you, with your knee bent at 90 degrees. Point your toes upwards and reach towards that toe until you feel a gentle stretch in the back of your leg
- Point your toes upwards and reach towards that toe until you feel a gentle stretch in the back of your leg
- Ice packs should be applied to the cramping muscle for 10-15 minutes after being wrapped in a t-shirt or pillow case.
If you are suffering from muscular cramps on a frequent basis, consult your doctor for more information and treatment recommendations.
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If you are suffering from muscular cramps on a frequent basis, consult your doctor for more information and treatment options.
- Stretch your calf muscles before night to keep the cramps at bay. However, avoid pointing your toes when stretching
- This might cause injury. When you feel a cramp coming on, straighten your leg and flex your foot. A mild massage of the calf muscle may be beneficial in relaxing the muscle. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated. If your doctor has authorized you to do so, engage in regular physical activity to help minimize cramping.
Consult with your doctor to determine whether or not you would benefit from taking extra calcium or magnesium. However, you should never use supplements without first seeing your doctor. If the leg pain persists or becomes severe, or if it is accompanied by swelling, warmth, or redness in the leg, or if you have difficulty walking, consult your doctor as soon as possible. Date of last review: January 2021
What Causes Leg Cramps and How Can You Treat Them?
Leg Cramps and How to Prevent Them It is possible to get rid of midnight leg cramps in a variety of different methods. “Once leg cramps have set in, the most effective means of relieving them is movement, whether it’s walking about or simply jiggling or shaking your leg,” Hyland said. Other techniques like as pumping your ankles up and down or massaging the muscles might be beneficial as well. Some persons who suffer from severe leg cramps have found relief by applying cool compresses to the affected area.
Hyland, on the other hand, advises anyone who suffers from leg cramps on a regular basis to focus on strengthening their muscles, which will make cramps less common.
Once we reach our forties, it is vital that we take an active part in stretching and strengthening our bodies in order to maintain adequate and maximum health.” He went on to say that if leg cramps linger for more than 5 to 10 minutes or occur more than once a week, it may be prudent to see a doctor.
- Pamprin and Midol, two over-the-counter pain relievers that are developed to treat menstrual cramps, can be an effective therapy for severe leg cramps.
- Because cramps are frequently caused by dehydration, it is essential to drink lots of water throughout the day.
- Potassium and Magnesium are two vitamins and minerals that can help with muscle cramps.
- Increasing your magnesium intake, according to a large body of research, can reduce the frequency of nighttime leg cramps, which is particularly problematic for pregnant women.
- A magnesium supplement can assist you in meeting your daily requirements, but foods high in magnesium, such as nuts, lentils, and quinoa, can also help.
Consume lots of water and eat a well-balanced lunch before embarking on a lengthy running expedition. Many athletes recommend that you have a potassium-rich banana as soon as you cross the finish line.
Muscle Cramps (Charley Horse) and Muscle Spasm Remedies
Changing up your workout routines, staying hydrated, and stretching are all effective ways to reduce the likelihood of getting muscular cramps. Warm up by jogging or walking at a fast speed for a few minutes before stretching the calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps muscles. Maintaining enough electrolyte levels will also be beneficial. Sodium and potassium are lost through sweating during exercise, which is especially true in hot weather and with considerable perspiration. Sports drinks can assist with sodium and potassium replenishment.
- MedicineNet
- Getty Images
- IStock
REFERENCES:
- “Muscle Cramps,” according to the AAOS. “Leg Cramps, Causes, and Treatments,” according to the NHS Inform website, published in June 2017. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: “Muscle Cramp.” American Academy Physician: “AAN Recommendations on Symptomatic Treatment for Muscle Cramps.” American Family Physician: “Nocturnal Leg Cramps.” April 2, 2021
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: “Muscle Cramp.” “Muscle Cramp – A Common Pain,” according to the American Osteopathic Association. “The Athlete With Muscular Cramps: A Clinical Approach,” published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. “Muscle Types,” according to the National Cancer Institute.
- National Institute of Mental Health: “What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?”
- National Institute of Mental Health: “What Is Panic Disorder?” The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Pregnancy has a page on “Muscle Cramps.” The University of Maryland Medical Center also has a page on “Muscle Cramps.”
All rights reserved. 2005-2022 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Whoa! 7 Natural Charley Horse Cures
The most recent update was made on February 8, 2021. Have you ever wondered why a discomfort in your leg is referred to as a “Charley horse”? This is an all-American word, and no one seems to be able to explain why Americans have such a unique name for a leg cramp. Did you know that getting a Charley horse is twice as common in the summer as it is in the winter? So, what is the best way to get rid of them when they appear?
Why Are They Called “Charley Horses”?
Some think that the name comes from a lame horse named Charley, who drew the roller on the Chicago White Sox ballpark in the 1890s, when the team played in Chicago. Those who believe it has anything to do with baseball pitcherCharley Radbourn are not convinced. His nickname was “Old Hoss,” and legend has it that he had cramps while playing baseball in the 1880s. Whatever the origin of the term, these excruciating leg cramps are not enjoyable. Check out these seven natural cures for Charley horses:
7 Charley Horse Home Remedies
- Make contact with a chilly floor with your bare foot. According to some, pulling your toes up near your knee can help to alleviate a leg cramp
- As soon as a leg cramp occurs, draw your toes up toward your knee and it may go away
- Magnesium oil is a natural cure for muscular cramps that works well. It just takes a few minutes to massage the oil into the cramp and it will be relieved
- To drink, take a sip of dillpickle juice. A spoonful of vinegar and a teaspoon of honey should be mixed together and drunk immediately. Elevate the surrounding surroundings. Try to elevate the afflicted region by placing cushions beneath it or supporting it up on an armrest
- Ice the area if necessary. Ice may be beneficial in reducing muscular spasms. Apply an ice pack or a cold compress wrapped in a towel to the area that is being affected by the Charley horse. Keep it on for 10-15 minutes at a minimum.
To Prevent Future Charley Horses:
- Maintain frequent stretching, especially before and after working out as well as before bed
- Put on a pair of shoes that are supportive, comfy, and durable. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you’re exercising or doing housework, pay attention to your body and don’t push yourself beyond your limitations. Drink lots of water on a daily basis to keep yourself hydrated. Switch to a sports drink during exercises or on extremely hot days to replenish electrolytes that have been lost via sweating. Drinking wine and coffee in moderation is recommended since they might cause dehydration. Ensure you consume foods that are high in potassium and magnesium, such as whole grains
- Bananas
- Dates
- Raisins
- Apricots
- Cabbage broccoli
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Maize
- And fish. Include dairy items in your regular diet, such as milk and cheese, and consult with your doctor about whether you would benefit from taking a calcium supplement. Check to see that your bed linens are not too tight. Tight-fitting blankets can put pressure on the legs and feet, causing them to become uncomfortable.
Charley horses are a minor and infrequent inconvenience for the majority of individuals. In the event that you suffer from leg cramps on a frequent basis, see your doctor. Muscle spasms on a regular basis may be an indication of a more serious underlying disease requiring medical treatment. Do you have any home cures for dealing with a charley horse when it comes knocking? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
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alleviation of discomfort
Coping with muscle cramps: Why you don’t have to live with this common pain
Learn how basic self-care practices, such as moderate stretching, can help to alleviate the symptoms of chronic pain. Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night because of a muscular cramp? In the middle of anything you were doing, it halted you in your tracks. The condition known as muscular cramps, or “charley horses,” as it is commonly referred to, is exceedingly prevalent and occurs when muscles tense involuntarily and are unable to release. Cramping is particularly common in the calves, thighs, and arch of the foot, which are all sensitive areas.
osteopathic physician Carolyn Quist, DO, of Fort Worth, Texas, says that cramps may affect any muscle under your control.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, when a person suffers from a muscle cramp, the muscle in question feels tougher to the touch than usual and may even display obvious symptoms of muscular twitching.
They will listen to you and work with you to help avoid damage and support your body’s natural capacity to self-repair in order to help you heal.
Common causes
Learn how basic self-care techniques, such as moderate stretching, can help to alleviate the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. You may not have realized it, but a muscular spasm may have awakened you up during the night. In the middle of a task, did something stop you in your tracks. Causing muscular cramps, or “charley horses,” as they are frequently referred to, is exceedingly common. They occur when muscles tense involuntarily and are unable to release properly. Cavernous calves, thighs, and arch of the foot are the most common areas for cramping.
The osteopathic physician Carolyn Quist, DO, of Fort Worth, Texas, warns that “cramps may impact any muscle under your control.” According to the American College of Sports Medicine, when a person suffers from a muscle cramp, the muscle in question feels tougher to the touch than normal and may even display obvious evidence of muscular twitching.
They take the time to listen to your concerns and work with you to help avoid injury and assist your body’s natural propensity to recover itself.
- Stretching insufficiently before to physical activity Exercising in the sweltering heat
- Muscle exhaustion
Athletes who become weary and dehydrated while participating in warm-weather activities are more likely to have muscular cramps than others. As Dr. Quist explains, “Imbalances in the levels of electrolytes in the blood,” such as the amounts of sodium and potassium in the blood as well as chloride, calcium, and phosphate, can also cause muscular cramps.
Treating muscle cramps
Fortunately, muscular cramps normally subside within minutes and do not necessitate seeking medical assistance in most cases. Here are a few things you may do to alleviate your symptoms:
- Put an end to whatever it was that caused the cramp. Keep your cramping muscle in a stretched posture for as long as possible, then gently stretch and massage it until the cramping ceases. If you have a calf cramp, place your weight on the leg that is affected and gently bend your knee. Try bringing the top of your foot on the afflicted side toward your head while your leg is in a straightened posture if you’re unable to get up. A back thigh (hamstring) tightness will be alleviated as a result of this. Try to move your foot on the afflicted side near your buttock when sitting in a chair to alleviate a front thigh cramp (quadriceps spasm). Heat should be applied to tense/tight muscles, while ice should be used to sore/tender muscles.
As Dr. Quist points out, if your cramps are severe, occur frequently, do not react well to basic therapies, or are not associated with apparent reasons such as intense activity, you should visit a doctor right once. It’s possible that they’re an indication of a problem with the circulatory system, nerves, metabolism, hormones, drugs, or diet, according to the expert. Muscular cramps may be avoided by performing flexibility exercises before and after your workout to stretch the muscle parts that are most prone to cramping, as well as by drinking lots of fluids throughout the day.
Quist.
If you believe your muscle cramps are too frequent and severe to be normal, it’s recommended to consult with your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Why You Should Never Ignore Leg Cramps: Clement Banda, MD: Dermatologist
It happens to the best of us: we’re working out hard at the gym, finishing a walk around the block, or even sleeping like a baby when all of a sudden we’re bent over in excruciating leg agony that seems to come out of nowhere. Say hello to the discomfort of a leg cramp. A cramp, often known as a “charley horse,” happens when a muscle contracts without the person’s consent and is unable to release. Muscle cramps are most commonly experienced in the calves and thighs, although they can also occur in the hands and arms as well as the belly and feet.
Leg cramps can affect anybody, although they are most frequent in the very young and elderly, as well as in persons who are overweight or who are active in sports like running.
Dr. Clement Banda, medical director of MD VeinSkin Specialists, is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of leg cramps, as well as any underlying problem that may be present. Continue reading to find more about some of the causes of leg cramps.
Overuse and Dehydration
Overusing or straining the muscle is the most prevalent cause of muscular pain, with inadequate stretching before to usage also being a significant factor in many cases. Being dehydrated, whether as a result of working out in the heat or for other causes, can irritate muscle cells and result in cramping and other symptoms. In most cases, self-treatment is sufficient, such as increased stretching (even before bed with or without mild exercise if leg cramps wake you) and making sure to drink enough fluids each day.
Medical Conditions and Medications
Leg cramps are more common during pregnancy, and certain medical diseases such as diabetes and nerve, thyroid, or liver problems can make them more often. Low electrolyte levels, such as potassium, magnesium, or calcium, can also make them more frequent. Aside from dialysis and certain drugs such as diuretics, painful muscular spasms can also be a side effect of dialysis. A compressed or pinched nerve in the back or neck can cause discomfort similar to that of a leg cramp, with the intensity of the agony rising as the distance walked increases.
Insufficient Blood Supply
Cramping in the legs can sometimes indicate the presence of something more serious, such as a lack of blood supply to the muscles. There are a variety of reasons why the free flow of blood may be obstructed, including: Leg cramps can be a symptom of something more serious, such as a lack of blood supply to your muscles under certain circumstances. Blood flow may be restricted for a variety of reasons, which include the following: