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Mar 9, 2024 · They commonly occur in the muscles of the calf (gastrocnemius), back of the thigh (hamstring), or front of the thigh (quadriceps). But they can occur in any muscle, including the feet and toes, arms and hands, abdomen, and along the rib cage. A charley horse can even happen when you're sound asleep.
- Ann Pietrangelo
- Overview
- Causes
- Vs. cramps
- Symptoms
- Risk factors
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Natural remedies and prevention
- Why is a cramp called a charley horse?
- Summary
A charley horse is a sudden and painful muscle cramp. It often occurs during exercise and at night. It commonly affects the calf muscle at the back of the lower leg but can also occur in the foot and thigh.
These muscle contractions may also affect pregnant people and individuals with certain health conditions. Leg cramps affect around a third of people aged over 50 years.
As a 2021 review explains, doctors do not know exactly why muscle cramps occur. This is partly because muscle cramps can arise for a variety of reasons.
Possible causes of muscle cramps include the following:
•Nocturnal leg cramps may have their origins in strenuous daytime activity, perhaps along with electrolyte imbalances and the use of some medications.
•Weight gain, blood flow disruption, and peripheral nerve compression may cause muscle cramps during pregnancy.
Charley horse is another term for cramps, especially those that affect the leg.
Although some people may use charley horse to describe muscle spasms or twitches, these phenomena are very different.
Generally speaking, doctors recognize the importance of distinguishing between cramps and similar-seeming conditions, such as:
•dystonia, a movement disorder involving involuntary movements
•myotonia, the process of muscles tensing, including both voluntarily flexing and involuntary contracting
•tetany, an electrolyte imbalance due to low levels of calcium
Scientists understand that a charley horse occurs when muscles suddenly cramp or tighten, resulting in pain. The condition most typically happens in the calf muscle at the back of the lower leg.
The sudden and uncontrollable spasm is often brief, but it can last up to 10 minutes.
For most people, the muscle contracts painfully without lasting problems. For others, however, the cramps can be extremely painful and cause discomfort for days.
A cramp can have different effects depending on its location. Painful leg cramps can make it more difficult to walk, for instance.
Stomach cramps, by contrast, can lead to feelings of discomfort, which may dissuade some people from eating.
Additionally, a cramp’s timing can affect its significance. For example, if leg cramps frequently happen at night, sleep disruption can result.
As a 2021 review explains, there are several risk factors for leg cramps:
•Being over 60: Nocturnal leg cramps affect around 37% of Americans over 60 years of age.
•Being pregnant: Muscle cramps affect around 50% of pregnant individuals, especially at night.
•Having chronic renal failure: Around 50% of people with chronic renal failure experience muscle cramps, especially in the legs.
•Having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): People with ALS have a 95% chance of experiencing muscle cramps.
•Having diabetes: Around 60% of people with type 1 diabetes have muscle cramps. In people with type 2 diabetes, the number is around 80%.
When a person visits a doctor about a charley horse problem, the doctor may ask about their symptoms, including:
•what the cramping is like and where it occurs
•when the cramps happen, how often, and for how long
•how severe the cramps are
•whether they have started recently
•what the person’s exercise habits are like
Research suggests that the only medication that can help reduce the intensity and frequency of leg cramps is quinine.
However, doctors do not like to recommend this drug, as its efficacy is uncertain despite its potential for serious side effects.
When a person experiences a charley horse, the following action may help them find some relief:
1.Gently stretch out the muscle by standing or moving the limb or foot.
2.Firmly but gently pull the toes and the foot upward to the front of the leg.
3.Repeat these movements until the cramping eases and stops.
To prevent a charley horse or muscle cramp from occurring, a person might try the following:
•leaving sufficient time between eating and exercising
•warming up before and after exercise by gently stretching muscles
•drinking fluids and eating a little food after exercise to replace fluid and minerals
•keeping hydrated by drinking enough water at all times
•avoiding caffeine and other stimulants
Although the origin of the term is uncertain, sources indicate that using the term charley horse to describe a muscle cramp comes from informal American sporting talk dating back to the 1880s.
One theory is that the term comes from a baseball player talking about a lame horse. Horses used to help with groundskeeper jobs in baseball.
Another story, which appeared in the Washington Post in 1907, claimed that the name came from a baseball pitcher called Charley, who had muscle cramps during games in 1880.
Charley horses are not specifically related to baseball and can occur during any exercise.
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.
There is usually no way to treat or prevent a charley horse, except perhaps to warm up before exercise and stay well hydrated.
- Markus Macgill
Jul 18, 2024 · A charley horse is a muscle spasm -- when a muscle suddenly tightens up on its own and can’t relax. These cramps can happen anywhere in your body. They’re common in your legs and feet. A...
Mar 7, 2023 · A muscle cramp is a sudden, unexpected tightening of one or more muscles. Sometimes called a charley horse, a muscle cramp can be very painful. Exercising or working hard, especially in heat, can lead to muscle cramps. Some medicines and illnesses also might cause muscle cramps.
Dec 18, 2020 · Charley horse is a term for muscle spasms. It is not limited to a particular muscle or muscle group. This condition can be uncomfortable and can also be quite painful if experienced for significant periods. The condition can arise due to your exercise routine, diet, climate conditions, or stress. Stretching twice a day, hydrating, eating a ...
Feb 13, 2023 · We’ll explain the causes of charley horses, and how you can find the right treatment option. Stretching and hydrating can help to prevent future muscle spasms. Charley horse is another name for...
People also ask
What is a charley horse?
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May 12, 2024 · What causes a charley horse? Charley horses are muscle spasms often caused by mineral deficiencies. Discover how to get relief from muscle cramps fast.
