Charley Horse

Charley horse in athletes

Last Updated December 20th, 2021

Understanding Charley Horse

The unbelievably common leg cramps people experience is medically termed as Charley Horse. Charley Horse is an involuntary muscle spasm leading to cramps. Any muscle in the body can go into a spasm, although this medical condition occurs most commonly in the muscles of the legs. The skeletal muscles in the calf, thigh, and arch of the foot are more prone to contractions causing severe pain. The muscle that has gone into a cramp can visibly twitch and feel hard upon touch. These muscle spasms can occur even during sleep. Lying in an awkward position for a long time can also trigger this condition. One of the overriding causes of muscle spasm is dehydration

Although, most of the time these muscle spasms are harmless, what is perhaps unnerving is, they can arise without any warning. Recurring Charley Horses will need an investigation to rule out the existence of an underlying condition, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

Typically, these spasms or cramps can last for a few seconds or more. Longer spasms cause soreness in the affected muscle that can last for a few hours or even linger for a day. Anyone who has experienced a Charley Horse will recall the experience of excruciating pain.

So, why do we refer a leg cramp with this unique name?

According to legend, the American Baseball pitcher of the 1880s, Charley Radbourne, a.k.a Old Hoss had apparently suffered an incapacitating cramp on the baseball field. The name, Charlie horse, allegedly came to be associated with these muscle contractions in the legs.

Who are at risk of Charley Horse?

The existence of certain conditions as well as a lifestyle can up the risk of Charley Horse.

  • Obesity
  • Expecting Women
  • Sportsmen, Athletes
  • Sedentary older adults
  • Infants
  • Victims of Hypertension, Diabetes, Hypothyroidism
  • Smokers

What Causes Charley Horse?

Medical experts have pinned the possible causes for Charley Horse that leaves victims with cramping and pain of varying intensity. Some of the predominant reasons are as follows:

  • Poor blood circulation in the legs: Muscles need oxygen and poor blood circulation can cause a reduced amount of oxygen supply, leading to spasms
  • Muscle fatigue: Excessive workload on the muscle can lead to fatigue. If the body is not given adequate recovery time post-exercise, muscle fatigue sets in. This also results in reduced assimilation of nutrients needed to energize the muscles. The efficiency of muscle function drops leading to spasms
  • Insufficient fluid intake: Fluid keeps muscles well hydrated as well as helps them contract and relax. Inadequate fluid intake results in muscle strain, making it more prone to Charley Horse.
  • Inadequate warming up/stretching pre and post-exercise: Inactivity or a sudden increase in the intensity of exercise leaves muscles unprepared to handle the sudden workload. This can lead to cramps.
  • Exposure of muscles to extreme hot or cold temperatures: Muscles lose more heat in cold weather and contract. This causes stiffness leading to cramps. Extreme heat can also cause muscles to stiffen especially if one overexerts or exercises in hot and humid weather. This could also lead to dehydration that increases the risk of muscle cramps.
  • Sedentary lifestyle/Not changing the sitting position for long hours: Cramps can occur among those whose lifestyle is sedentary. Even sitting too long in one position without any movement of muscles can increase the susceptibility to charley horse.
  • Prolonged use of certain medicines: Antihypertensives, for instance, Diuretics, to reduce blood pressure can cause the fluid and salt content in the body to drop. Some statins can also trigger muscle cramps. Medicines to treat conditions like asthma, osteoporosis, and diabetes and cholesterol-lowering agents can increase the risk of cramps. Few oral contraceptives can also cause a charley horse.
  • Compression of spinal nerves: A compressed nerve in the back or neck can cause cramps. Further, any injury to the spinal cord can trigger a severe form of charley
  • Depletion of minerals: Low levels of potassium, sodium, and calcium in the blood is an important reason for the onset of cramps.
  • Obesity: Overweight and obese people carry an elevated risk of improper blood circulation. The symptoms of poor blood supply can result in numbness, tingling, pain in the limbs and cramps.
  • Prolonged periods of stress: Stress is never good and is no exception with muscle cramps. Stress leads to muscle rigidity. Stress causes the nervous system to exert pressure on the blood vessels. This leads to contraction of muscles. Tense musclestend to go into a spasm.
  • Alcoholism: Alcohol-associated cramps is a reality. Consumption of alcohol can cause the collection of lactic acid in the muscles. This is akin to the accumulation of lactic acid after intense exercise, which can trigger cramps and soreness.
  • Parkinson’s disease: Muscle rigidity is one of the fallouts of Parkinson’s disease resulting in a reduction in movement. This can trigger the onset of a charley horse.
  • Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid levels can trigger stiffness in joints and muscles, which leads to pain and cramps.
  • High/Low blood sugar: Glucose is a vital ingredient needed by muscles that aids in contraction and relaxation of muscles. Cramps occur in both cases of high and low blood sugar. Mainly imbalance in sugar causes cramps.
  • Flat feet: Structural defects in the feet for instance flat feet can exert undue pressure on the muscles in the calf as well as those along the bottom of the feet. This can lead to cramping.
  • Peripheral artery disease: A serious medical condition could be underlying the symptom of leg cramps called peripheral artery disease. This condition is indicative of cholesterol blocking the blood vessels present in the legs that lead to disruption in blood flow. PAD can trigger painful leg cramps.
  • Pregnancy: Leg cramps during pregnancy are a reality. The reasons range from fatigue to compression of nerves and improper circulation of blood in the legs.  Other possible factors are a deficiency of magnesium and calcium. Inadequate consumption of fluids is also a common cause of cramps for expecting mothers.

Medicines that can trigger the charley horse

Following are some of the medicines that can cause the onset of muscle cramps.

  • Donepezil (Aricept), used to treat Alzheimer’s disease
  • Furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), and other diuretics that remove fluid from the body
  • Neostigmine (Prostigmine), for myasthenia gravis
  • Raloxifene (Evista), for treating osteoporosis
  • Nifedipine (Procardia), medicine to treat hypertension and angina
  • Terbutaline (Brethine), albuterol (Proventil and Ventolin), are asthma medications
  • Tolcapone (Tasmar), which helps treat Parkinson’s disease
  • Statin medications to lower cholesterol, such as fluvastatin(Lescol), atorvastatin (Lipitor)lovastatin (Mevacor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), pravastatin (Pravachol), or simvastatin (Zocor)

Interesting myths about Charley Horse

  • Will eating a banana stop an imminent muscle spasm? Although a medium-sized banana can take care of 12% of the daily requirement of potassium, it might not help someone experiencing a cramp. For the potassium to be absorbed into the body, it takes more than 60 minutes and it may do precious little to relieve a cramp.
  • Pickle juice – Even though few athletes reported relief from cramps after drinking pickle juice, there is no apparent link in spite of its salt or fluid content. During blood tests, the results showed the blood plasma composition remained unaltered afterthe consumption of water or pickle juice.

What are the symptoms of Charley Horse?

 Those who experience these painful spasms in the legs may have noticed certain telltale symptoms that precede its onset.

Involuntary muscle contractionsmost often in the legs

  • Heaviness at the spot preceding the condition
  • Contraction and stiffening of muscles in the toes
  • Twitching of muscles
  • Hardening of muscles at the site of the cramp
  • Strenuous exercise as a trigger for muscle spasms

Diagnosing Charley Horse

Medical experts evaluate symptoms, occurrence, and frequency to diagnose the condition. They also suggest blood tests to ascertain levels of key mineral and electrolytes in the body. Some important pointers that help in the diagnosis are as follows:

  • Many people experience a charley horse when they are asleep. This is of course quite common and does not need any medication especially if it is not frequent.
  • If muscle cramps trouble more than once in a week, consult a medical specialist.
  • Medical specialists conduct a thorough physical examination and record the patient’s medical history.
  • Depending upon the severity and frequency of spasms, experts may suggest further investigation, for instance, MRI scan to evaluate the nerve condition. These scans show the condition of the nerves clearly to assess the situation better and accordingly prescribe treatment.
  • Laboratory tests to check the levels of potassium, calcium and magnesium levels also aid diagnosis

Treatment for Charley Horse

Most often, these cramps get resolved immediately. They are usually treatable and preventable by adopting certain measures. Any pain caused by a spasm will not typically last more than a day. However, if you experience charley horse frequently, talk with your doctor about possible treatment measures. They can help determine the cause, treatment and preventive measures to get rid of these painful spasms.

  • Charley horse is treatable at home as long as they are not frequent and recurring
  • Treatment will depend on the cause of the spasm. For exercise-induced spasms, simple stretches and massage with heat packs can help the muscle relax. It is also good to stretch before and after the exercise as a way to prevent spasms
  • If the muscle continues to ache, pain management drugs like Ibuprofen helps. In case of severe spasm, doctors prescribe antispasmodic medication
  • In certain cases, doctors prescribe physiotherapy to relieve the contracting muscle
  • In extreme case of a frequent charley horse, consultation with a neurologist can help ascertain the severity of the condition
  • Surgery may be a solution for a few patients dealing with nerve compression where intervention may be the only way to relieve the pressure.

How to manage the symptoms

  • Certain massage techniques and stretch exercises may relieve symptoms of Charley. Try standing up, stepping on the leg that is not having a cramp and lunge forward on the front leg.
  • Stand on the tip of your toes for a few seconds to stretch the calf muscles as a way to relax the muscle.

Prevention of charley horse

 As with any illness, prevention is always better than cure. Follow some simple measures to completely prevent or reduce the severity of cramps.

  • For exercise-induced cramps, stretch or warm-up exercises before and after the session help
  • Use your thumbs to apply pressure gradually on the site of the cramp to relieve the pain.
  • Avoid exercise of the cramped muscle until the pain is completely gone
  • Drink adequate water as dehydration is one of the causes of muscle spasm.
  • Avoid exercising in severe weather conditions.
  • Drink beverages that contain electrolytes.
  • To avoid muscle cramps during sleep it is advisable to perform stretches before going to bed.
  • Always exercise under the supervision of a professional fitness This is especially the case with weight lifting that requires guidance to avoid injury to the muscle.

 

 

Dos and Don'ts

Dos
  • Exercise regularly
  • Perform stretches before and after exercise
  • Consume a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
  • Adopt a comfortable posture while sitting
  • Drink adequate water
  • De-stress and relax
Don'ts
  • Remain inactive for a prolonged period
  • Overexert muscles
  • Smoke
  • Consume alcohol

 

 

 

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Caralluma Fimbriata: How to eat this cactus to lose weight Caralluma fimbriata is a miracle cactus that can be safely consumed by most for losing weight and boosting…
eating disorder anorexia
Eating Disorders: Lifestyle choice or a psychological condition? Is eating disorder just a harmless bad habit? Or does it represent grim psychological disorders? Do you want…
apolipoprotein a1 test
Apolipoprotein -A1 (APO-A1) Test Apolipoprotein A-I (Apo-A1) constitutes 70% of protein content in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and helps in lipid metabolism.
Ovarian cyst diagnosis and treatment
Ovarian cysts Know everything about ovarian cysts, its causes, types, diagnosis and treatment options such as home remedies and surgical…
Ovarian cyst diagnosis and treatment
Ovarian cysts Know everything about ovarian cysts, its causes, types, diagnosis and treatment options such as home remedies and surgical…
Heart diseases patient
Heart Valve Surgery A heart valve surgery is a procedure to replace or repair the diseased heart valves. The most commonly…
Coffee Enema: Turn your favorite morning beverage into a powerful colon cleanser The wonders of coffee are not just limited to waking you up every morning. You can now use…
Oxidative Stress: Understanding the most lethal phenomenon happening in your body right now Free radicals cause damage to the body, which is known as oxidation.  The amount of oxidation caused by…
Shilajit: A miracle Himalayan herb for an active and happy life The Himalayas contain more wonders than you thought. Shilajit is a miracle herb that is widely used in…
Anhedonia: Does the chronic inability to feel joy affect you too? How often do you feel dragged down by an invisible force? Do you feel an inexplicable emotional numbness…
biopsy procedure
Biopsy Biopsy is a procedure of studying a live tissue sample collected from a specific organ for diagnosing a…
Mood swings
The real reasons for your mood swings and how to overcome them Are you prone to heated moods frequently? Do you also feel bouts of depressive feeling creeping up on…
Green, brown, & bitter: The instant advantages of including fenugreek in your diet Did you know the earliest usage of fenugreek can be traced back to the Egyptian civilization? Find out…
Kava: Is it the healthy substitute for alcohol you have been waiting for? Native to the beautiful South Pacific islands, Kava is a famous beverage rooted in the local culture. It…
Okra: How can this nutrient-dense vegetable help you fight diabetes? Okra is a food which is rich in nutrients and minerals which are extremely essential for a healthy…
How can berberine supplements help you live longer and healthier? Berberine is a turmeric look-alike herbal extract that is credited with numerous health benefits ranging from diabetes cure…
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) test Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme that is found in every cell of the body and it plays…
stress depressed anxiety
Are you depressed or just stressed? Know when to see a doctor Why are some people more anxious than others? Is being depressed the same as feeling sad? Have you…
rosacea-treatment--before-_-after
The best and safest ways to treat rosacea Rosacea is a skin disease that is characterized by reddish hives and rashes on the face. Read more…
General adaptation syndrome: Understanding stress, one step at a time The struggle of the body to produce hormones during a stressful situation is the main theme of general…
Thyroid disorders
Thyroid Profile Thyroid profile is a panel of blood tests performed to check if an individual is suffering from any…
APL IgM Test
Antiphospholipid Antibody(APL)-IgM test The antiphospholipid antibodies are specific protein in the body directed against the phospholipids. It is used to detect…
alcohol toxic
7 startling facts that will make you quit alcohol today Does drinking really make you friendly and happy? How many calories does a can of cold beer add…
helping friend with depression
Support and care tips for helping people with depression Read to find out what is depression, its causes and symptoms. Also check out the steps describing how…
Blood Disorders cancer
Immunotherapy immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts the body's immune system to identify the cancer cells and fight cancer.
Lung cancer xray
Lobectomy Lobectomy is a surgery where a lobe of the diseased lung is removed. It is mainly done to…
heartfail_2
Open Heart Surgery An open heart surgery is a major procedure performed to treat heart diseases like congenital heart problem, heart…
DHEA wrinkles
DHEA: Now get unbelievable age defiance with this wonder hormone! DHEA is known popularly as the age-defying hormone. This supplement is widely used to slow down aging and…
BRAT Diet: What is the right way to follow this diarrhea-relieving diet? BRAT diet, a simple diet consisting of just bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, can help you combat the…
lipoprotein A
Lipoprotein (A) Test Lipoprotein (A) test is used to measure and monitor the levels of LDL(Low-Density Lipoprotein) in the bloodstream in…
Tart Cherry: The healthiest excuse for taking that second serving of pie Tart cherry has been traditionally used in delectable desserts such as pies. Recent studies have revealed that its…
Vitamin K2: 8 reasons why you need this bone-building & cancer-fighting nutrient Vitamin K2 is claimed to be essential for your bone health, for reducing the risk of cancer, and…
Jack in the box fast food
Jack In the Box : The perils of surging fast food culture in the USA Jack in the Box - How a culture of fast-food can clog your arteries, weaken your heart, fatten…
anti ds dna test
Anti Ds-DNA antibody Test The  Anti Ds-DNA antibody test is used to diagnose the disease called lupus or more aptly the SLE(Systematic…
Ca 19.9 test
CA19.9 Test CA 19.9 is a cancer antigen that exists on the surface of cancer-causing cells. The levels of CA…
Vagus nerve: 7 health benefits of stimulating the “gut-brain” connection As a matter of fact, there are two vagus nerves namely the left and the right but is…
Chest X-Ray A chest x-ray is a diagnostic test that uses x-rays to visualize the structures inside your chest. It…
CLA: A breakthrough weight loss supplement with minimal side effects Tried every weight loss supplement in the market with no substantial gain? Why not try CLA supplements, derived…
HSV-1_IGG
Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV)-IgG Test Herpes simplex virus I(HSV)-IgG is an Immunoglobulin protein that acts as an antibody & stays in the blood…
What is Qigong and how can it help you channelize you inner “Qi”? Qigong is an integrated way of performing a traditional exercise regimen that can help in promoting health, mental…
Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody (tTG) Test Transglutaminase is an enzyme present in our body and is involved in protein metabolism. A tTg test is…
6 arguments in favour of glucosamine and where can you find it Studies have shown that glucosamine works by preventing the breakdown of cartilage of the joints. This is usually…
xylitol gum
Xylitol : Is this the right sugar substitute for you? Discovered during World War 2 owing to sugar shortage, xylitol has become a common name in pharamaceutical industry.…
Cordyceps: How the Caterpillar fungus works as a proven cancer-shield Strange as it may sound, but cordyceps or "caterpillar fungus", a fungus variety native to the Himalayas may…
Bronchoscopy procedure
Bronchoscopy Bronchoscopy is a procedure where in a scope is inserted into the lung pathway to observe any growth…
Hydroquinone: Is it the best topical treatment for hyperpigmentation? Darkening of the skin due to high melanin levels is called hyperpigmentation.  Hydroquinone interferes with melanin production thus treating…
SIBO Diet: The important dos and don’ts of this gut-healing diet A SIBO diet is a diet that works by eliminating certain sugars from your diet and adding fibers…
Milk Thistle skin
Milk Thistle: Find possible cures for fatal diseases in these purple blooms Milk thistle is well-known for treating liver conditions. However, did you know that it comes with a plethora…
Tamarind: The top health benefits of this staple Asian ingredient Did you know this sweet and sour pulpy fruit does more than just add a tangy flavor to…
Hibiscus: Nourish your beauty and health with these vibrant blooms Hibiscus is a trumpet shaped flower found abundantly in tropical countries. It has been historically used for its…
Erythritol: A healthy sugar substitute or yet another marketing ploy? Erythritol is a popular choice of a healthy alternative sweetening agent in foods. But how healthy can a…
Trisodium Phosphate: How a paint thinner made its way into your breakfast Ever thought how toxic chemicals find their way into our foods? How can they harm our body? And…
folate test
Folate test The Folate test measures and monitors the levels of folic acid in the blood. This test is also…
Alp enzyme-test
ALP test – Alkaline Phosphate ALP or alkaline phosphate is an enzyme mainly produced by the liver and gallbladder. ALP test measures the…
iron deficiency profile
Iron Deficiency Profile An iron deficiency profile is a battery of blood tests which are performed in order to determine the…
antiHEV IgM test
Anti hepatitis E virus (Anti HEV) IgM Test Anti HEV IgM test determines the level of the IgM antibodies in the blood, The disease is often…
sodium chloride
Halotherapy: How inhaling salt can work wonders for your body Halotherapy is quickly gaining popularity amongst those with respiratory diseases. It has shown promise in its treatment.
Love tea, hate tannins? Rooibos tea is just what you need The market is brimming with a multitude of herbal teas. But what makes rooibos tea (or red bush)…

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