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.
How long does it take for a charley horse to heal?
These spasms are marked by uncomfortable muscle contractions. If the contracting muscles don’t relax for several seconds or more, the pain can be severe. Severe charley horses can result in muscle soreness that lasts anywhere from a few hours to a day. This is normal, so long as the pain isn’t prolonged or recurring.
How do you stop 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.
Do you put heat or ice on a charley 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 is your body lacking when you have leg cramps?
Mineral depletion. Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in your diet can contribute to leg cramps. Diuretics — medications often prescribed for high blood pressure — also can deplete these minerals.
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.
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.
Why do charley horses hurt so much?
The extreme pain comes from the continued contraction. “The contraction goes beyond what you want to do,” said Porter. “The muscle fatigues, it starts hurting, you say, ‘all right stop,’ but it’s doing it on its own — it’s not your idea, it’s an involuntary action.”
How do you stop Charlie horses while sleeping?
Nocturnal Leg Cramp Prevention
- Stretch during the day and before bed. Focus on your calf and foot muscles.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Move around during the day to exercise your feet and legs.
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
- Sleep under loose covers, especially if you sleep on your back.
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.
Why is it called a 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.
What supplements help with Charlie horses?
You can also try magnesium supplements. These are available in many forms such as magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, and magnesium citrate. A 2015 study of the medical uses of magnesium recommends taking magnesium citrate because it’s more easily absorbed by the body.
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.
Charley horse : MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
A charley horse is a term used to describe a muscular spasm or cramp in general. Muscle spasms can occur in any muscle in the body, although they are most frequently experienced in the leg muscles. When a muscle is in spasm, it contracts and does not relax, despite your efforts to regulate it. Muscle spasms are common when a muscle is overworked or damaged, and they are painful. A muscular spasm can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Taking part in physical activity while you haven’t had enough fluids (you’re dehydrated)
- Having low mineral concentrations, such as potassium or calcium
Some spasms arise as a result of irritation to the nerve that links a muscle to another muscle. As an illustration, consider the case of a herniated disk that produces irritation of the spinal nerves, as well as discomfort and spasm in the back muscles. Spasms in the calf are common during swimming or running and occur when the leg is kicked. They can also occur during the night while you are sleeping. Upper leg spasms are more likely when participating in sports such as running or leaping. Stress can cause spasms in the neck (cervical spine), which can be painful.
- It is referred to as a knot in some circles.
- Muscle spasms are diagnosed by looking for tight or firm muscles that are painful to the touch, as indicated by your health care practitioner.
- A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be useful in determining whether or not the spasm is caused by nerve irritation, such as that in the back.
- At first, heat will help to relax the muscle.
- If the muscle is still uncomfortable after applying heat and ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can be used to alleviate the discomfort.
- After you’ve been treated, your healthcare professional should investigate the origin of the spasm to ensure that it doesn’t recur.
- If you exercise and consume water or sports drinks, it might assist to alleviate cramps caused by dehydration.
- Muscle spasms will subside over time as a result of rest and relaxation.
- Spasms can be prevented from happening on a regular basis by learning how to exercise effectively with the necessary training and adequate hydration intake.
If the spasm was triggered by an inflamed nerve, you may require further therapy. The outcomes of these therapies might be unpredictable. If any of the following apply, contact your service provider:
- You’re suffering from a severe muscular spasm and terrible agony. You are experiencing weakness as a result of your muscular spasm. You are experiencing a muscular spasm that will not quit and is spreading to other places of your body
Your physician can assist you in changing your exercise regimen to lessen the likelihood of future spasms, even if they are not severe at the time. Among the things you may take to reduce your chances of getting muscular cramps are the following:
- Flexibility exercises can help you become more flexible
- Changing up your routines can help you stay within your capabilities
- Increase your potassium intake and drink lots of water when you’re working out. Fruits such as orange juice and bananas are excellent sources of potassium.
Geiderman JM, Katz D. General concepts of orthopedic injuries. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1989. Walls RM, Hockberger RS, and Gausche-Hill M (eds.). In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, and Gausche-Hill M (eds.). Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice (Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice). Elsevier, 9th edition, Philadelphia, PA, 2018:chap 42. D. Wang, C. Eliasberg, and S. A. Rodeo. The physiology and pathology of the musculoskeletal tissues are covered in detail.
Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA, 2020:chap 1 of the 5th edition.
Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, provided the most recent update.
Editorial staff examined the manuscript for accuracy.
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. For example, if leg cramps occur regularly at night, sleep disturbance may be the outcome of the condition. 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.
- 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:
- Leg cramps are frequently associated with the following illnesses, according to a review of research published in 2017.
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:
- Leaving enough time between eating and exercising
- Warming up before and after exercise by gently stretching muscles
- Drinking fluids and eating a small amount of food after exercise to replace fluid and minerals lost during exercise
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water at all times
- Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants Keeping an eye out for any potential adverse effects of prescription medicines
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.
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
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.
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 remedies 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! a little about the author
Keep Exploring
To move your legs, you must contract and extend the muscles in your legs, which are made up of bundles of fibers that alternately contract and expand to create movement. The contraction (tightening) of one of these muscles, usually in the calf, occurs suddenly and involuntarily. It is possible for cramps to last anywhere from a few seconds and many minutes. Their intensity might range from light to severe enough to rouse you from a sound slumber. A charley horse is a painful muscular spasm in the leg that occurs suddenly and without warning.
- There are occasions when there is no clear reason for a cramp.
- Causing cramping is more likely to occur when muscles are fatigued or dehydrated.
- Cramping is more likely to occur during pregnancy, presumably as a result of changes in the circulatory system and greater tension on the muscles caused by a developing abdomen.
- Muscles that are older get more quickly fatigued, and they become more sensitive to changes in fluid volume in the body.
Symptoms of muscle cramps
To move your legs, you must contract and stretch the muscles in your legs, which are made up of bundles of fibers that contract and expand alternately. The contraction (tightening) of one of these muscles, usually in the calf, occurs suddenly and involuntarily. Pain might linger anywhere from a few seconds to many minutes when experiencing cramps. Depending on how severe they are, they may be light or severe enough to rouse you from a sound slumber. One type of cramp is known as a charley horse, which is said to have been named after baseball star Charlie “Hoss” Radbourn, who was said to have suffered from regular cramps back in the 1880s and was named after him.
Exercise is a typical trigger, especially if you’ve been exercising for an extended amount of time or in the heat.
By preventing your muscles from fully relaxing, a deficit in electrolytes such as magnesium or potassium might result in more frequent cramping in your meals.
Another factor is age, with cramps becoming more common as people reach their forties and older.
Muscles that are older become more readily fatigued, and they become more sensitive to changes in bodily fluid content. The usage of some medications, such as statins, to treat high cholesterol, might cause cramping as a side effect.
- 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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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.
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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Skip to the main content How to get rid of a charley horse in the following ways: This is a condition that affects both athletic and inactive people. Amuscle cramps are excruciatingly painful, and if you’ve ever been awakened out of sleep by a searing ache in your leg that left you gasping for air, you understand how awful they can be. If you’ve never had the pleasure of riding a charley horse (also known as a Charlie Horse, depending on who you ask), consider yourself fortunate. In this post, we’ll go over four of the most effective strategies for dealing with or preventing muscular cramps.
What is a charley horse?
It is most commonly referred to as a “charley horse” because it is an involuntary reflex in which the neurons controlling a muscle (typically the calf muscle) misfire, causing the muscle to freeze and lock into a contracted posture. A charley horse can be quite painful, and it can leave you limping around for many days after it occurs. In addition to the calf muscles, the muscles in the soles of the feet can also cramp, which can be quite painful as well. Cramps can develop in any region of the body if muscles are overworked and fatigued.
Here’s a fun piece on the subject: The Origins of the Expression “Charley Horse”
What causes muscle cramps?
There is substantial controversy in the scientific community regarding what causes a charley horse because they frequently occur in healthy persons and can strike at any time of day or night, seemingly for no discernible reason. Muscle cramps, for example, can occur in middle-aged and older adults, but they are also prevalent in athletes (such as long-distance runners and cyclists) and those who lead physically active lifestyles. Certain populations are known to be more susceptible than others, and certain circumstances are known to enhance the likelihood of contracting the disease.
People at Risk to Get a Charley Horse
Here is a brief list of the people who are most at risk of getting muscular cramps:
- Intense exercisers, those who are dehydrated, or people who utilize muscle power in hot conditions People who have specific medical diseases, such as nerve abnormalities, cirrhosis, an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), or who take certain drugs
- People who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Women who walk around in high heels
- Those who are elderly
- Women who are pregnant
Significant hazards of low magnesium levels during pregnancy are discussed in another article. Cramping is common among long-distance runners and cyclists, as well as other persons who engage in frequent physical activity. Although it is possible that this is due to overuse, it is also possible that these individuals have electrolyte shortages or imbalances as a result of losing vital electrolytes through perspiration. Another risk related with acquiring a charley horse is dehydration, which, as you can expect, has an impact on athletes.
Women who wear high heels may develop muscular cramps as a result of the posture of their feet and legs in high heel shoes, which puts them in a cramp-prone position.
1. How to Get Rid of a Charley Horse – Maintain Electrolyte Balance
Mineral deficiencies or electrolyte imbalances, such as those resulting from lack or excess of magnesium, potassium, calcium, or sodium, are also known to increase the likelihood of contracting charley horse. Natural electrolytes are essential for life, health, and peak performance, according to a related article. A class of minerals known as electrolytes play a crucial role in the function of the muscles. Mineral imbalance, according to some studies, can impair blood flow to the muscles by allowing them to contract but not relax.
So, if you want to get rid of a charley horse or avoid getting one in the future, try adding electrolytes to your diet.
- The mineral potassium can impair the muscles’ capacity to utilise glycogen, a sugar that serves as the muscles’ primary source of energy when they are deficient in potassium. SODIUM: This is a vital electrolyte
- Nevertheless, the majority of individuals obtain adequate of it from their daily diet. Sodium should only be a dietary issue if your intake is insufficient or if you perspire excessively when working or participating in physical activity. If any of these two scenarios applies to you, replacing sodium should be considered
- Otherwise, it should not. Magnesium: Magnesium is a necessary element for muscular function, since it aids in the contraction and relaxation of muscles. Chloride is an electrolyte that helps your body balance the amount of fluid that is present in your system. Since of chloride’s involvement in maintaining fluid balance, it is particularly significant because dehydration can be a contributing reason to muscular cramps.
Inadequate potassium intake can impair muscles’ capacity to utilise glycogen, which is a sugar that serves as the primary source of energy for the muscles. Sodium: Although this is a vital electrolyte, most individuals obtain enough of it from their food. A dietary concern for sodium should only be present when consumption is inadequate or when you perspire excessively when working or exercising. Replace sodium if any of these two situations applies to you; otherwise, you should avoid replacing sodium.
Chloride is an electrolyte that helps your body balance the amount of fluid that is present in your bloodstream.
2. Supplement with Magnesium
Researchers in the United Kingdom discovered a few years ago that supplementing with 300 mg of magnesium (in the form of magnesium citrate) decreased overnight or nocturnal leg cramps in people who suffered from chronic leg cramps. Potassium, like magnesium, is an electrolyte that may be found in your muscles. As a matter of fact, when your muscles contract, they cause potassium to be released into the surrounding tissue. A class of minerals known as electrolytes play a crucial role in the function of the muscles.
As previously said, muscle cramps are common among pregnant women, and it’s not surprising considering that expecting moms have a high requirement for magnesium, and a lack of magnesium is one of the most compelling explanations about why pregnant women have muscle cramps.
Both are necessary.
Given this, as well as the importance of magnesium in muscular function, it seems sense to begin by addressing the underlying cause of a charley horse by addressing magnesium deficiencies.
Many people have reported that when they take a magnesium supplement, their leg cramps disappear, as long as they remember to take it on a regular basis. Although it is possible that a deficit is not the root problem, this simple remedy may make all the difference.
3. Correct Dehydration
Maintaining enough fluid intake is a third preventative approach, which is particularly important if you sweat a lot in hot weather, exercise for lengthy periods of time, or work in hot settings. Dehydration can be life-threatening, but did you know that even slight dehydration can cause your blood volume to decrease, which, in turn, can lower the amount of oxygen delivered to your muscles? It is possible for muscles to go into spasm when the oxygen supply to the muscles is restricted. Make sure to drink lots of water throughout the day, with electrolytes thrown in for good measure.
However, you should not rely on traditional sports drinks to keep muscular cramps at bay.
By clicking here, you can purchase the elete Electrolyte add-in.
4. Stretch Properly
If a cramp does arise, try extending the muscles that are being cramped. Calves may be stretched by bringing your toes towards your knees while keeping the afflicted leg extended straight, for example, to alleviate calf cramps. After that, soak in a warm bath or take a hot shower (allowing the water to reach the afflicted area) to aid in the relaxation of the muscle. Third, gently massage the afflicted region, taking care not to apply too much pressure to the skin or muscles. Use an ice pack on the injured muscle to minimize the discomfort and swelling associated with the injury.
Finally, if you are experiencing persistent or severe leg cramps, you should consult your doctor.
Related article: Liquid trace minerals – How to Determine the Quality of a Mineral Supplement.
- Leg cramps in the middle of the night. Prevention Magazine has an electronic edition that may be accessed online. The Complete Book of Vitamins and Minerals is a reference book that has a comprehensive list of vitamins and minerals. New York, New York: Rodale Press, 1998, pp. 319-325
- C. Roffe, S. Sills, P. Crome, and P. Jones. It was determined that magnesium citrate was effective in treating chronic leg cramps in a randomized, cross-over, placebo controlled experiment. Med Sci Monit. 2002
- 8(5): CR326-30
- Med Sci Monit.
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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.
Treatment Options for a Charley Horse Injury
When you have a muscular spasm in your leg that causes agonizing agony, you are experiencing a Charley horse syndrome. The muscle is stimulated by nerves from the spinal cord, which allows it to continue contracting. While you are in its grip, it might harden to the point where you are utterly incapacitated. It appears that there is nothing that can be done to encourage the muscle to relax until it makes the decision to do so on its own. The origins of the word Charley horse are obscure, however it appears to have originated in baseball.
In the event of an injury to a player, his teammates would refer to him as Charley the Horse.
An old baseball legend has it that one day, while jogging the bases, Old Hoss suffered a leg cramp.
Causes of a Charley Horse
A Charley horse can arise as a result of a muscular injury or misuse of the muscles. As a result, it is critical to properly warm up and cool down before exercising. It is critical to stretch before and after a training session. It is also critical to keep hydrated during the process, including before, during, and after. Muscle spasms can occur as a result of a lack of essential minerals in the body. Potassium, calcium, and magnesium are essential minerals for the body’s function and health. Muscle cramps can occur when one of these substances is insufficiently present in the bloodstream.
Be aware of this if you are on diuretic medications.
Leg cramps might occur while you are wearing high heels. The influence of one’s age is equally significant. As you grow older, your muscles become less accustomed to working as hard as they did when you were younger, and they do not respond as well as they did before.
Charley Horse Treatment
In the majority of cases, you can simply wait it out. After a few minutes, the discomfort disappears on its own. If you see that your muscle is beginning to spasm, stop whatever you are doing and massage the muscle. Slowly extend it and hold it stretched until the spasm begins to subside or disappear. You may also use heat to loosen up stiff muscles. A cold pack might help to alleviate the discomfort of a strained muscle. It is recommended that you consult a doctor if you experience regular muscular spasms or if they do not improve with self-care.
The presence of this symptom might indicate the presence of a dangerous medical problem.
Please contact us to book an appointment and let us to assist you in feeling better as soon as possible.
Coping with Muscle Cramps
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.