Charley Horses What They Are, How They Happen, and How to Treat Them Effectively
Woman with leg pain
Have you heard anyone scream out “charley horse!” It’s one of those old American expressions that has outlived its folklore. But while the origin of this term may be faint, the experience is not. In fact, it can be unbearably painful.
While a charley horse can occur without explanation, there is much we know about this problem, such as what it is, where it occurs, its risk factors, and how to ease the pain.
Have you heard anyone scream out “charley horse!” It’s one of those old American expressions that has outlived its folklore. But while the origin of this term may be faint, the experience is not. In fact, it can be unbearably painful.
While a charley horse can occur without explanation, there is much we know about this problem, such as what it is, where it occurs, its risk factors, and how to ease the pain.
Runner Cramp
What is a Charley Horse?
A charley horse refers to an uncomfortable muscle spasm or muscle cramp that causes ferociously painful contractions in the muscles. We’ve all seen how quickly they can drop an elite athlete, but they’re also common among those without the proclivity for sports. From athletes to the elderly, charley horses can affect those with underlying conditions and those without.
Maybe you’ve had one yourself?
When a charley horse occurs, you will most likely feel a strong, painful involuntary contraction of skeletal muscles in the body. When severe, these muscle cramps can continue for hours, potentially days, following recovery from the initial cramp.
It goes without saying that this pain can negatively impact sleep, mood, and quality of life.
What Causes a Charley Horse?
Cramping is one of those conditions we don’t yet fully understand.
There is evidence to support the mainstream explanation of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. For example, one study found that adding saline, or saltwater, to the drinking water of mill workers significantly reduced muscle cramping. In effect, it worked as an effective muscle spasm treatment.
Charley horses tend to occur when muscles are in a shortened, contracted position, like a flexed bicep. Because the muscle is ‘bunched up,’ so to speak, it is less tense. This changes the way the muscle and the nervous system communicate with each other. It may cause the nerves to “talk too much,” telling the nerves to contract too hard.
Some experts believe this could be an important part of what causes a charley horse.
Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and misfiring nerves are the most common explanations. But there are also known risk factors for muscle cramps.
Risk Factors for Muscle Cramps
There are several groups of people who face a higher risk of muscle spasm: older adults, athletes, pregnant women, and people with thyroid and nerve disorders.
Why older adults get muscle cramps
Research indicates that 1 in 3 people over the age of 60 have experienced muscle cramping within the past 2 months of their lives. In those over 80, every 2nd person was well acquainted with muscle spasms. These can cause distress, disrupt restful sleep, and reduce quality of life.
According to neurologist Dr. Robert Miller, older people are at greater risk for cramps.
“As we age, there are changes in both nerves and muscles. Muscles get weaker and smaller. And nerves undergo some decay, with the tissue becoming thin. And when that happens, the connections that the nerves make to the muscle become less secure,” says Miller.
Why are athletes prone to muscle cramps?
Charleyhorse2
Whether recreational or competitive, many athletes know the experience of a charley horse all too well. You may have seen your favorite tennis or NFL players hitting the ground, frantically trying to stretch out a painful cramp. For some, this problem is career-ending.
Athletes are most likely to experience charley horses at the beginning of the season when their body isn’t yet fully conditioned yet. Additionally, they are more prone because they are more likely to experience dehydration and electrolyte loss.
For this reason, adequate warming up, healthy nutrition, and adequate hydration is key to staying in the game.
Why are pregnant women prone to muscle cramps?
Plenty of women will assert that pregnancy can place a great deal of pressure on the human body. This includes cramps, which are known to occur particularly at night.
One study investigated calf cramping during pregnancy. The researchers found that in the first trimester, muscle spasms affected just over 1 in 10 women. In the second trimester, that figure rose to 28.2%. And in the third trimester, just over half of the pregnant women studied complained of this problem. The study concluded that hypertension could be the most significant risk factor.
Key Takeaways
Muscle cramps, aka “charley horses,” are quite common, yet the exact cause is not fully understood. But by understanding what they are and the steps you can take to treat them, you are in the best position to deal with the painful symptoms.
To limit or avoid muscle spasms, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes getting adequate nutrition, hydration, sleep, and exercise. And if pain strikes, try a little stretching and light massage to get the relief you need.
If you are interested in learning more pain relief tips you can use in your daily life, check out our additional resources here.
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