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Charley Horse Leg Cramp Treatment

A charley horse is a muscle cramp. Muscle cramps may cause contractions or spasms of the muscle. Charley horses often occur after exercise or may appear suddenly during sleep. Charley horses may last for only seconds or may continue for several minutes. They may occur as the result of dehydration, muscle strain, mineral deficiencies (particularly calcium, magnesium and potassium), nerve compression and restricted blood flow to the muscle.

  1. Types of Muscle Cramps

    • The term charley horse usually describes a muscle cramp occurring within the calf muscle. Pregnant women often experience calf muscle cramps during the later stages of pregnancy. A charley horse cramp may also occur in other leg muscles such as the hamstrings (back of thigh) and quadriceps (front of thigh). Charley horses may also occur in the muscles of the rib cage, abdomen, arms, hands and feet.

    Stretching and Massage

    • Put all of your weight on the cramped leg while bending the knee slightly. In addition, flexing the foot upward may help as well. Stretching the leg may help to relieve the cramp. To stretch, grab the foot of the affected leg and pull it toward your head while keeping the leg straight. Massaging the calf muscle either with bare hands or with ice may also help lessen the severity and duration of the charley horse.

      If the cramp is affecting the quadriceps, grab the foot on the affected side and pull the leg up toward the buttocks while steadying yourself with a chair.

    Other Treatments

    • A hot compress may help relieve muscle soreness and tenderness. Also, taking a hot bath may help. A cold compress may help relieve muscle tension.

      Individuals who have recurrent muscle cramps during sleep may be prescribed muscle relaxants to prevent muscle cramps.

    Prevention

    • Always warm up your muscles prior to stretching. Stretching should occur before and after exercise.

      Also, staying properly hydrated can prevent muscle cramps. Eating potatoes, spinach, lima beans, prunes, raisins and bananas regularly can help prevent muscle cramps by supplying the body with potassium. Potassium is a mineral that regulates muscle contractions, and when it is deficient, it may cause spasms to occur.

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