What Causes a Charley Horse?

A charley horse is another name for a muscle spasm that you may experience anytime, including while you are asleep. The causes of charley horses include lifestyle factors, certain medical conditions and physical exertion of your muscles. Consider this information from the University of Iowa and the National Library of Medicine about what causes a charley horse.

Cold Muscles

• If you do not stretch before a workout, your muscles may not be properly warmed up, resulting in a charley horse.

Dehydration

• A charley horse may occur during or just after exercise as a result of dehydration, which causes a buildup of salts in your muscles.

High Heels

• Wearing high heels, especially for a long period of time may result in you developing a charley horse.

Medications

• You may experience frequent charley horses if you use medications such as diuretics, weight-loss pills or cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Over Use

• A vigorous or prolonged workout may cause you to develop a charley horse, especially if you do not routinely exercise.

Pregnancy

• During pregnancy, swelling and an imbalance of sodium and potassium can cause you to have frequent charley horses in your calves.

Sleep Positions

• If you point your feet while sleeping or sleep in an awkward position, you may have charley horses that wake you from your sleep.