Charley horse

Charley horse is a colloquial term for a painful involuntary muscle spasm or cramp, typically occurring in the leg muscles. These cramps can be sudden and severe, often causing significant discomfort and temporary immobility. Charley horses are most commonly experienced in the calf muscles but can also affect the thighs and feet.

Causes

Charley horses can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance, particularly low levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium
• Overuse or strain of the muscle
• Prolonged sitting or standing in one position
• Poor blood circulation
• Nerve compression
• Certain medications, such as diuretics and statins

Symptoms

The primary symptom of a Charley horse is a sudden, sharp pain in the affected muscle. The muscle may feel hard to the touch and may be visibly knotted or twitching. The pain can last from a few seconds to several minutes. In some cases, residual soreness may persist for a day or two after the cramp has subsided.

Prevention

To prevent Charley horses, individuals can take several steps, including:

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• Maintaining a balanced diet rich in electrolytes
• Stretching and warming up before physical activity
• Avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity
• Wearing appropriate footwear that provides adequate support

Treatment

When a Charley horse occurs, the following measures can help alleviate the pain:

• Gently stretching and massaging the affected muscle
• Applying heat to relax the muscle or cold to reduce pain and inflammation
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary
• Ensuring adequate hydration and electrolyte intake

Related Conditions

Charley horses are similar to other types of muscle cramps and spasms, such as:

• Nocturnal leg cramps
• Restless legs syndrome
• Muscle strain
• Myalgia

See Also

• Muscle cramp
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Restless legs syndrome
• Muscle strain
• Myalgia