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.
What are home remedies for a charley horse?
- When you have sudden muscle stiffness or pain (charley horse),soak in a tub of “old faithful”-Epsom salts.
- Drink some water.
- Eat fruits with lots of potassium before an extensive event or exercise.
- Stretch the area where you have charley horse.
- This remedy is said to be particularly effective for a charley horse.
How do you stop a Charlie horse?
Charley Horse Prevention
- Eat more foods high in vitamins and magnesium.
- Stay hydrated.
- Stretch daily and before exercise.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Limit how much alcohol you drink.
- Ramp up your exercise slowly rather than all at once.
- Don’t exercise right after you eat.
- Don’t smoke.
What causes Charlie horses at night?
Many people experience charley horses during sleeping hours and are awakened because of them. Muscle spasms that cause charley horses while you sleep are common. However, why these nighttime spams occur isn’t entirely understood. It’s believed that lying in bed in an awkward position for a long time plays a role.
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.
Can a charlie horse be serious?
A charley horse or leg cramp is a common problem and does not usually indicate a serious health problem. Nevertheless, a charley horse can sometimes result from a medication or health condition.
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’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 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 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.
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.
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.
How do you get rid of muscle cramps fast?
Apply heat or cold. Use a warm towel or heating pad on tense or tight muscles. Taking a warm bath or directing the stream of a hot shower onto the cramped muscle also can help. Alternatively, massaging the cramped muscle with ice may relieve pain.
Why are charley horses so painful?
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.”
Can nerve damage cause charley horses?
In some cases, repeated charley horses can be the result of nerve issues, which can be diagnosed with an MRI scan. If you experience muscle spasms frequently, they may be a symptom of an underlying health condition such as: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease)
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.
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:
- Excessive muscular contractions due to poor blood supply Notstretchingenough
- Involvement in physical activities in hot heat
- Dehydration
- A deficiency in magnesium and/or potassium in your diet A spinal cord injury or a pinched nerve in your neck or back are examples of such problems. Diabetic nephropathy
Excessive muscular contractions caused by poor blood supply Notstretchingenough; Being active in hot weather; being active in cold weather Dehydration; A deficiency in magnesium and/or potassium in one’s diet. Any type of trouble in your neck or back, such as a spinal cord damage or an irritated nerve. Disease of the kidneys
- 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:
- Eat more meals that are high in vitamin C and magnesium
- Drink plenty of water
- And stretch before and after exercise. Stretching before exercise can assist to prevent tense muscles throughout the workout session. Cramping caused by other factors can be alleviated by daily stretching.
- Put on a pair of comfy shoes. Limit the amount of alcoholic beverages you consume
- Increase your physical activity gradually rather than all at once. Don’t exercise straight after eating
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t drink alcohol right after eating.
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.
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
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.
Additionally, you can put treatments and preventative measures in place to improve your comfort. Cramping or spasming of a muscle can be caused by a variety of circumstances. The following are the most typical causes:
- 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: 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 over 60: Nocturnal leg cramps impact people all around the world
- 37 percent of the population
- In the case of Americans above the age of 60
- Muscle cramps are a common occurrence during pregnancy. 50 percent of the total
- Pregnant women should exercise caution, especially at night. When you have chronic renal failure, you should:Around
- 50 percent of the total
- Muscle cramps, particularly in the legs, are common in persons suffering from chronic renal failure. Having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): People who have ALS have a condition known as
- 95 percent of the time
- The possibility of getting muscular cramping Having
- Diabetes
- 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.
Acute calf discomfort can occur for a variety of reasons that are unrelated to cramping. These are some examples:
- 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:
- 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.
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.
Quirky Questions: What causes a charley horse?
This page was last updated on January 25, 2019. Q: What causes a “charley horse,” and how can I avoid having one happen to me? A: It’s unknown where the phrase came from, but it has a well-known meaning: a rapid, involuntary spasm or cramp of a big muscle, usually in the calf (gastrocnemius), thigh (quadriceps), or hamstring (hamstring). In certain cases, a charley horse is produced by a direct strike to the muscle or by a rapid stretch of the muscle, but the majority of the time, they are caused by strain or tiredness when exercising.
- This might result in cramping in the muscles.
- Mineral depletion can be caused by a variety of factors, including a poor diet, dehydration, and the use of drugs such as diuretics.
- A moderate massage or keeping the muscle in a stretched posture would, on the other hand, aid in the resolution of the cramp more swiftly.
- Heat is also known to have a relaxing effect on tight muscles.
- Try the following strategies to avoid muscular cramps:
- Stretching consistently before and after exercising can help you become more flexible. Choose routines that are appropriate for your current level of physical fitness. Instead of overusing and straining your muscles, progressively increase the difficulty and intensity of your workouts. Drink lots of water and eat plenty of potassium-rich fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy diet. Oranges and bananas, in particular, are excellent suppliers of potassium. Maintain enough hydration prior to, during, and after activity.
If you are experiencing persistent cramps that are interfering with your sleep, schedule an appointment with your health-care professional. Medication may be beneficial in some situations. Do you have a health question that is out of the ordinary? Send us an email, and we may publish our response on the blog!
Causes of Charley Horses: Symptoms and Treatment
15th of January, 2020 (updated) Charley horses, a painful muscle spasm in the leg or foot, can occur in people of all ages and walks of life, and they can be quite severe. Even worse, they can occur at any time of day or night, but it is usual to have muscular cramps when sleeping. There are specific habits and situations that have been associated with charley horses, and there are actions you may take to avoid them, despite the fact that they appear to develop randomly.
What Is a Charley Horse?
A charley horse is another name for a muscular spasm, which is a condition in which a muscle contracts and refuses to release. The muscles of the leg and foot are the most commonly affected by muscle spasms, which can occur in any muscle in the body. During a muscle spasm, the muscle becomes rigid and tight to the touch, and it may be sensitive to the touch after it has occurred. After the spasm has subsided, the muscle may be painful for several hours or even several days thereafter.
Charley Horse Causes
While there is no definitive reason for charley horses, there are various conditions that increase the likelihood of their occurrence, including:
- Overuse of the muscle: This is the most typical reason for muscular pain. Cramping or spasming can occur when a muscle is overworked, putting an additional demand on it. The loss of more water than your body is taking in, such as during exercise, might lead your body to become ill-equipped to perform its functions. It’s important to avoid exercising in extreme heat or cold conditions. Exercising in heat might make you more susceptible to dehydration, while exercising in cold weather may impair your body’s ability to warm up properly. Stress: When you are stressed, your muscles might get stiff, which can result in spasms. Cramping can be caused by poor blood flow or circulation. If not enough blood is getting to your muscles, this can result in cramping. Getting insufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals: Muscle spasms can be caused by a shortage of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium). Standing or sitting for an extended period of time without moving can cause blood flow to the muscles to be reduced or stopped entirely. This can also happen when you’re sleeping
- Nerves that are not working properly: Issues such as a spinal cord injury or a pinched nerve in the neck or back can cause signal interruption to the muscles. Among the drugs are: Diuretics (used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney disease), nicotinic acid and statins (used to treat high cholesterol), raloxifene (used to prevent osteoporosis), and nifedipine (used to treat angina and Raynaud’s phenomenon) are all examples of medications that can cause cramps. In pregnancy, the added weight of the mother-to-be can place an additional pressure on the leg muscles. As a result of liver illness, toxic substances might build up in your system, causing muscular spasms. Muscle cramps can be caused by bacterial illnesses such as tetanus.
Who Is at Risk?
The following groups are at risk for muscular cramps and spasms:
- Participants in athletic competitions
- Those who are overweight or obese
- Senior citizens
- Expectant mothers
- Individuals who have thyroid or nerve issues
How to Treat Charley Horses
Muscle spasms are usually self-resolving and do not require medical intervention. When they occur, you can attempt one of the following methods to assist alleviate the discomfort:
- Heat should be applied throughout the cramping period and ice should be applied when it has passed. Lie down with your leg straight, elevate your foot, and bend your ankle so that your toes point toward your shin if you have a calf cramp. As a result, the damaged muscles move in the opposite direction of the constricted muscles, therefore relieving the tension
- The muscle should be massaged
- Drink plenty of fluids. If the discomfort persists after applying heat and ice, anti-inflammatory medications should be used.
Prevention is the most effective therapy for charley horses. You may take efforts to avoid them by doing the following:
- Making sure you drink lots of water
- Stretching before and after exercise, as well as before bed if you get cramps at night Consuming meals that are high in magnesium, potassium, and calcium Putting on shoes that are comfy and supportive
- Changing the way you do your workouts
Stretches to avoid charley horses are recommended by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
- Stretch your calf muscles by leaning forward with one leg in front of the other while holding both hands on a wall. Straighten your rear leg and press your heel firmly into the ground. Repeat on the other side. Your front knee will be bent at this point. Continue to hold for 15 to 30 seconds before switching to the other leg. Stretch your hamstrings by sitting tall and extending both legs straight in front of you while on the ground. Make a flat surface for your palms on the ground and glide them toward your ankles. Come to a complete stop when you feel the strain
- In order to maintain balance and support, hang onto the wall or the back of a chair for support and stability. Grab the bottom of your foot and bend your leg backward, bringing your heel toward your buttocks. Maintain this position for 30 seconds by pulling your heel closer to your mid-section. Repeat the process with the opposite leg.
When to See a Doctor
Charley horses can be the consequence of nerve abnormalities in some people, which can be detected with an MRI scan in others. In the event that you have regular muscle spasms, they might be a sign of an underlying health issue such as:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, often known as Lou Gehrig’s illness)
- Nerve loss
- Hardening of the arteries
- And other symptoms. Stenosis of the spine
- Thyroiditis is a disorder of the thyroid gland. Infections
- Hepatitis
- Liver disease
Consult your doctor if your cramps include any of the following symptoms:
- They occur often
- Are really harsh
- Don’t expect home therapy to solve your problem. Last for a lengthy period of time
- Increase the likelihood that you may suffer edema, redness, or warmth in the affected region Muscle weakness is caused by this medication. The disease has spread to another portion of the body.
Shaun Eikenberry, MD, a primary care physician at Greater Pittsburgh Medical Associates-UPMC, advises patients who are suffering charley horses after taking a new drug to consult their doctor. “Charley horses can occasionally occur as a side effect of certain drugs that cause your electrolyte balance to shift. The most often prescribed drugs are diuretics (“water pills”), blood pressure meds, and heart medications.”
Sources
The National Library of Medicine of the United States Muscle cramps are a painful condition. Kevin C. Miller, PhD, ATC, CSCS, Marcus S. Stone, PhD, ATC, and Jeffrey E. Edwards, PhD, are the authors of this paper. Kevin C. Miller, PhD, ATC, CSCS Muscle cramps that occur as a result of exercise. Sports Medicine and Fitness. Muscle spasms, you’ve been defeated! The Harvard Health Publishing Company An acronym for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Muscle cramps are a painful condition.
Leg cramps are a painful condition.
Muscle spasms are a common problem.
AARP.
What Causes a Charley Horse?
- Baton Rouge General wrote an article for the category of fitness, primary care, and health and wellness on the date of.
If you’ve ever experienced a charley horse, you’ll recall the experience vividly. Experiencing quick, excruciating pain in your thigh or calf muscle when it has abruptly become tight and stiff might put you completely off your game. Muscle spasms are generally considered innocuous, however they may be associated with certain underlying conditions such as:
- Exercising without sufficiently stretching before doing so
- A deficit in magnesium or potassium
- Dehydration, which is particularly dangerous when mixed with hot-weather activities
- Blood supply to the muscles is insufficient. An excessive amount of time spent exercising with a certain muscle. Certain drugs, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and COPD are prohibited.
Muscle spasms, often known as cramps or charley horses, can last anywhere from a few seconds to many minutes in duration. Here are a few suggestions for relieving the discomfort while it is occurring:
- Stretching and massaging the afflicted muscle are recommended. Make your foot flex
- Place your weight on the cramped leg
- In order to relieve the discomfort, a heating pad should be used in conjunction with an ice pack. Ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory medication might be taken if your muscle is painful after the workout.
If your charley horses develop more frequent and severe, you should consult your physician. Stephanie Coleman, MDFamily Physician Baton Rouge General Physicians – Family Medicine Stephanie Coleman, MDFamily Physician (Prairieville) Make a reservation online!
How to Get Rid of a Charley Horse – 4 simple fixes
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.
Low levels of any of these minerals can allow the muscle to contract but prevent it from relaxing. 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.
Visit this page to learn more about the elete electrolyte add-in, which contains all four of the electrolytes listed above and more.
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.
- 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.
It might be a symptom of a more serious issue, therefore it’s crucial to consult with your doctor first before proceeding. Related article: Liquid trace minerals – How to Determine the Quality of a Mineral Supplement. Sources:
- 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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7 Causes of Cramps & Charley Horses
Or have you been in the middle of a great jog when all of sudden you are hit with a charley horse in your calf or hamstring? I think most of us have experienced a muscle cramp, spasm, or charley horse at one point in time but do you happen to know why you get muscle spasms? For the purpose of this discussion I would like to stick to the type of muscle spasms that affect muscles called “skeletal muscles.” Skeletal muscles include all of our muscles that attach to bone that we typically have voluntary control over; such as the muscles of our hands, feet, arms, and legs.
- I have heard people say things like, “I need to eat more bananas,” or “I need to drink more water.” I recently overheard Andy, PTA and gym supervisor of Back in Motion’s Portland office, working with a patient.
- Andy immediately had the patient do some gentle stretching which helped alleviate the pain, but as soon as she began the exercise again, the spasms came back.
- This spurred a conversation between the two about the root cause of muscle spasms.
- Here are some of the more common causes of muscle spasms:
Overuse or muscle fatigue
- It is possible to exert excessive strain on a muscle by performing an activity in excess of the recommended number of repetitions, too rapidly, or with poor mechanics.
Dehydration
- Muscles require moisture in order to perform a correct contraction. When the nerves that control the muscles are deprived of water and salt, they can become oversensitive and cause the muscles to contract or spasm involuntarily.
Electrolyte imbalance
- When it comes to producing an efficient contraction, muscles require the proper balance of glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Atherosclerosis
- Vascular constriction reduces blood flow to muscles, which affects their ability to provide oxygen, hydration, and electrolyte delivery.
Chronic Pain
- Activates nerve endings in the brain, instructing them to contract in order to protect the body from future harm.
Pinched nerves
- This might cause the muscle to experience discomfort and cramping as a result of the altered messages.
Side effect of medication
Put some weight on it: if it is your calf or foot, try standing up and putting some weight on it. In order to determine if it is a muscle in your hand or arm, try placing your hand on a table or wall and resting your body weight on it.
- Using self-massage or trigger point pressure can assist to relieve muscular spasm and increase blood flow to the muscle, which in turn increases oxygen and electrolytes in the muscle. Apply direct pressure on the painful part of the muscle spasm and hold for 60-90 seconds before releasing the pressure applied to the spasm. The use of thera-canes and thera-hooks can be beneficial while doing this method. Gentle stretching can help to offset the symptoms of a spasm by elongating the muscular tissue that has been constricted during the spasm. Wrist stretches, hamstring stretches, and calf stretches are among the most common types of stretches.
- Ice vs heat: Heat is usually preferable for muscle spasms since it may be calming and can help enhance blood flow to the muscle spasm. Ice is also an option. For some, cold is more effective than heat because it lessens discomfort, which in turn helps reduce muscular spasms
- Nevertheless, ice can be irritating and cause spasms to intensify in certain people
- Therefore, take caution while using ice.
Related:What is Dry Needling
Muscle spasms should always be reported to your doctor if they cause you worry, occur frequently or do not go away on their own after being treated. Your doctor will be able to assist you in determining the severity of the disease and making the proper treatment suggestions for you. Physical therapy may be advised in some cases, at which point someone like me would conduct a complete evaluation to establish whether or not we may be of use. It was two years ago today that I saw a patient who had been suffering from leg cramps for several years.
The lower leg spasms in another patient I treated recently for cramping in the lower legs were simply due to overcorrection of a foot condition with wonderful sneakers and orthotics.
Anyone may come in for a free 30-minute consultation at Back in Motion® without needing a prescription from a doctor, and the physical therapist can assess if the patient’s problem falls within the scope of their practice.
So please do not hesitate to arrange an appointment if you are experiencing muscle cramps, spasms, or charley horses.