Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers on Charley Horses: Why They Happen and How to Find Relief

So what is a Charley Horse? Have you ever woken with a start as a calf muscle suddenly seized into a hard, painful knot? Then you’ve encountered the charley horse. The nickname is believed to trace back to an old horse named Charley who pulled a roller across the Chicago White Sox ballpark in the 1890s and walked with stiff, aching muscles. (1) What a story! These unexpected, involuntary muscle contractions usually target the calf or foot, often at night, and can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, with soreness that may hang on for hours or even days. About one-third of adults over 50 have them. Most charley horses have no clear cause, but dehydration, diuretics and certain other medications, pregnancy, strenuous exercise, and long hours standing on hard floors can make them more frequent. (1) Read on as we at Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers share some more ideas about these.

When a cramp takes hold, a slow stretch is your go-to move. If the cramp is in your calf, straighten your knee and point your foot up toward your knee, and if your toes curl, draw them back in the opposite direction. Getting out of bed and taking a short walk can help the muscle release, and many people get relief with massage or warmth from a warm shower or compress. (1)

A few simple habits can help keep charley horses away. Stretch your calves and hamstrings at bedtime, drink plenty of fluids, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, keep your bed sheets loose at the foot of the bed, and go easy on alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and decongestants. (1) Your food choices matter here as well. Magnesium helps muscles relax after they contract, and when levels fall short, muscles can tighten too easily, setting the stage for cramps and spasms. (2) Our magnesium levels tend to decline as we age, and nearly two-thirds of Americans don’t meet the recommended intake, so foods packed with magnesium and potassium, like leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, avocado, and bananas, are healthy additions to your diet. (1,2) Studies of magnesium supplements for night cramps have shown mixed results, so ask your provider before starting one. (2) If you have heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before adjusting your diet or fluid intake. Seek prompt care if a cramp is severe, doesn’t let up, or comes with sudden numbness, weakness, skin color changes, or a limb that feels cold. (1) We can talk more at your next appointment.

If charley horses keep disrupting your sleep or getting in your way, you don’t have to simply live with them. Spine problems that compress the nerves running to the legs are among the conditions linked to leg cramps (1), and a detailed exam can help sort out what’s behind them. Our staff will make time to listen, look at how your spine, muscles, and daily habits work together, and create a plan that helps you move and rest more comfortably. 

Check out this PODCAST with Dr. Kurt Olding on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the relief possible for a patient with spinal stenosis with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management, the safe, gentle treatment we offer. Afterward, reach out to Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers in Baton Rouge today to schedule your visit, and let’s work together to keep those charley horses at bay.