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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What to eat, what not to eat in the South Beach Diet? The South Beach Diet is one among the most popular weight loss programs that have been the talk…
What is the right way to take a pregnancy test? A pregnancy test is undertaken to determine if you have conceived. A home pregnancy test is the most…
CT-scan-machine
CT – Computed Tomography Scan CT scan or computed tomography scan is an diagnostic imaging technique where cross-sectional images of body are obtained…
LFT-test
Liver Function Test – LFT LFT or Liver Function Test is a blood test used to determine the levels of hepatic enzymes which…
Anti-CCP Test – Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Anti-ccp or ACCP test is a blood test that is primarily employed to diagnose the onset of rheumatoid…
CEA_test
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test CEA or carcinoembryonic test detects the presence of CEA antigen in your blood mainly & determines the effectiveness…
amylase test
Amylase Test Amylase test is done by checking the level of this protein in the blood sample and also in…
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…
L-theanine attention
L-Theanine: Better sleep, higher focus, and many other benefits Did you know that L-theanine found in green tea can make you sleep better and be focused at…
gout diet purines
Gout Diet : Get relief from painful joints by eating these foods Are you a victim of this painful condition? Are medications providing only short relief? Find a list of…
Juice Plus: Can you really replace actual fruits with pills?  Juice Plus supplements intend to fill nutritional gaps present in our daily diet. But how successful have they…
Did you know drinking alkaline water could be the healthier choice for you? Ever wondered how safe is your drinking water in terms of pH? Recent studies have revealed that Alkaline…
Goji berry: A traditional Chinese berry that packs the best of antioxidants Goji berry is an ancient berry that is considered to be power-packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Which means…
GERD heartburn
Heartburn: What are the exact symptoms and the best home remedies? There are easy home remedies for heartburn, which not only acts as a first aid when you experience…
Ear pain model
Easy and safe tips for ear wax removal you can do at home Cerumen impaction generally occurs when an external object like cotton swabs are used to remove the ear wax.…
ASTtest-liver
AST- Aspartate Aminotransferase Test AST test is a blood test that is used to measure the level of a particular liver enzyme…
fructosamine test
Fructosamine Test A fructosamine test measures blood sugar glucose content. Fructosamine level can indicate blood sugar level in past 2-3…
sodium blood test
Blood Sodium Test A blood sodium test measures the amount of sodium (an important electrolyte) in your body. It is also…
iron deficiency profile
Iron Deficiency Profile An iron deficiency profile is a battery of blood tests which are performed in order to determine the…
shiitake mushrooms healthy
What are Shiitake Mushrooms and why should you eat them? Shiitake Mushrooms are well known for their smoky and robust taste. However, did you know they are replete…
woman with abdominal pain holding ovulation calendar
Ovulation – facts to know about ovulation Learn how and when ovulation occurs, demystify common misconceptions, identify symptoms, methods of detection and right period for…
hidden benefits walking
9 benefits of walking we bet you didn’t know! Did you know walking can be the miracle pill for eternal youth? Everyone knows walking is good for…
avocado benefits
Avocado: 15 reasons why this fruit should be a staple in your diet Did you know that the word avocado literally means "testicles". Don't get grossed out as this power-packed fruit…
biotin for hair
Biotin: One-stop-shop for shiny hair and an active body! What is common to bananas, eggs, sweet potatoes, and liver? These are delicious and rich in biotin ;…
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…
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…
Oxalates: How healthy greens can sometimes be bad news for your kidneys Oxalates are compounds present in a majority of healthy foods. However, at times an overconsumption of these could…
The Cabbage Soup Diet: The healthiest way to instant weight loss Cabbage soup diet rapid weight loss diet for those who want to shed those extra pounds in less…
Barium-enema
Barium Enema Barium enema is also known as colon x-ray. Here, the patient is asked to consume small amount of…
beta hcg test
Beta hCG Test A Beta hCG test measures the level of human gonadotropin hormones present in the blood that is primarliy…
malarial antigen test
Malaria Antigen Test A malaria antigen test is a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) that can detect malarial antigens (proteins) in your…
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…
sleep deprivation
Don’t let your sleep deficit grow into memory loss or heart attack Why is sleep important for us? How could sleep deprivation harm you? We bet you didn't know about…
oral hygiene tips
6 shocking consequences of bad oral hygiene (and how to avoid them) Did you know bad breath is not just turning off, but also harms your body in ways you…
ashwagandha brain
Ashwagandha: The best-kept secret of Ayurveda now revealed! Ashwagandha literally means "smell of horse". Don't get bogged down by that one tiny detail because this ayurveduic…
Salt dangers
Sodium chloride: The wonders and dangers of the simple table salt Sodium chloride is a salt containing sodium and chlorine ions at a 1:1 ratio. It is edible and…
Bromelain: 11 reasons why you should start adding pineapple to your pizza! If you didn't love pineapples already, here are some of the top health benefits that bromelain can bring…
Psyllium Husk: More than just an effective natural laxative Psyllium husk, or isabgol, is a popular natural laxative . But did you in addition to regulating bowels,…
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…
Experts reveal the safest ways to perform an enema at home The idea of pushing some up your rectal area might make you queasy but an enema could actually…
Inhale oxygen, exhale worries: The top breathing exercises and how to perform them Performing the breathing exercise is like becoming mindful of how you breathe.  Here is a list of breathing…
glucose-tolerance
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test – GTT Glucose tolerance test (or Oral GTT) is used to detect the onset of diabetes or prediabetes conditions. It…
Strep throat pain
Anti-Streptolysin-O Test The ASO or Anti-Streptolysin-O is a blood test designed to check for the presence of streptococcus bacterial infection…
cystatin C
Cystatin C Test Cystatin C is a specific single-chain protein that is found in body fluids and is a biomarker for…
yoga health benefits
How to practice yoga for astounding health benefits Can a 5000-year-old system be the ultimate body healer? Did you know yoga can make you smarter and…
aspartame or sugar
Aspartame – Hidden truths about this storm in a teacup Aspartame, the artificial sweetener, has gone under the scanner on several occasions for allegedly doing more harm than…
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…
Oil of Oregano: The one-stop essential oil you’ve been looking for Are you plagued by a weak immune system? High body inflammation accompanied by pain and infections? Why not…
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…
The complete “what to eat” guide for gluten intolerance Does eating breads and pastas often makes you nauseous? Gluten intolerance is a common reason why you might…
Exercises or diet? Find out the healthiest way to gain weight Tired of being called skinny all the time? Looking for healthy ways to beef up? Why not try…
Is it possible to achieve full body detox with Master Cleanse? Master cleanse is a diet consisting of a lemonade based beverage, a salt water drink and a herbal…
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)…
How seitan proved to be a blessing in disguise for vegans worldwide Can only meat-eaters enjoy delicious juicy steaks and burgers? With seitan, the best meat substitute available today,even vegans…
shakeology woman
Meal replacement or protein drink? Learn all about Shakeology and its claims Shakeology from Beachbody claims to be the most suitable shake that can aid in weight loss, regulate blood…
anoscopy
Anoscopy Anoscopy is an invasive diagnostic procedure where a small device known as anoscope will be inserted in the…
vdrl test syphilis
VDRL Test The VDRL test is a blood test that is used to diagnose sexually transmitted or venereal diseases, primarily…
leptospira Igm test
Leptospira-IgM Test A Leptospira-IgM test is a blood test which is carried out to detect anti-Leptospira IgM antibody. Leptospirosis is…
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…
piles
Best treatment for piles in Bangalore All you need to know about piles and piles treatment in Bangalore - the types of treatment available,…
piles fissure fistula
Allopathy vs homeopathy vs ayurveda treatment for piles, fissures, and fistula Read to know the best form of treatment among allopathy, homeopathy,or ayurveda for piles, fissures, and fistula
The Shepherd's diet
Facts about the Shepherd’s diet Kristina Wilds promoted Shepherd's diet, a Christian-based diet that highlights Jesus Christ's diet as mentioned in the Bible.
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…
gallbladder diet tomato
Gallbladder surgery :Tips on post-operative care and diet What to eat post a gallbladder surgery? What are the key things to avoid if you had a…

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