Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. on Charley Horses: Why They Happen and How to Find Relief

Just what is a Charley Horse? Have you ever been jolted awake by a calf muscle that suddenly locks into a hard, painful knot? Then you’ve been introduced to the charley horse. This colorful name is believed to originate with an old horse named Charley who pulled a roller across the Chicago White Sox ballpark in the 1890s and walked with achy, stiff muscles. (1) What a story! These sudden, involuntary muscle contractions most often affect the calf or foot, commonly at night, and can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, with soreness that might linger for hours or even days. About one-third of adults over 50 experience 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 common. (1) Read on as we at Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. share some more ideas about these.

When a cramp takes hold, a slow stretch is your best friend. For a calf cramp, 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 walking around can help the muscle release, and many people feel better with massage or warmth from a warm shower or compress. (1)

Some easy daily habits can help keep charley horses from coming back. Stretch your calves and hamstrings at bedtime, keep up your fluid intake, try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, keep your bed sheets loose at the foot of the bed, and limit alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and decongestants. (1) It also pays to eat with your muscles in mind. Magnesium helps muscles relax after they contract, and when levels fall short, muscles can tighten too easily, opening the door to cramps and spasms. (2) Our magnesium levels tend to drop as we age, and nearly two-thirds of Americans don’t meet the recommended intake, so foods rich in magnesium and potassium, like leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, avocado, and bananas, are healthy additions to your plate. (1,2) Studies of magnesium supplements for night cramps have had mixed results, so check with your provider before beginning one. (2) If you have heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease, consult 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 interrupting your sleep or slowing you down, 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 careful exam can help sort out the cause. Our staff will make time to listen, evaluate how your spine, muscles, and daily habits work together, and create a plan that helps you move and rest more comfortably. 

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Kurt Olding on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates the relief possible for a patient with spinal stenosis with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management, the safe, gentle treatment we offer. Then, reach out to Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. in Auburn today to make an appointment, and let’s work together to keep those charley horses at bay.