How to get rid of a charley horse

What causes a charley horse?

A charley horse can be caused by a direct blow or sudden stretch of the muscle, but most of the time they’re caused by strain or fatigue during exercise.

How do I get rid of leg cramps fast?

If you have a cramp, these actions may provide relief:

1. Stretch and massage. Stretch the cramped muscle and gently rub it to help it relax. For a calf cramp, put your weight on your cramped leg and bend your knee slightly. …
2. Apply heat or cold. Use a warm towel or heating pad on tense or tight muscles.

What happens during a charley horse?

A charley horse happens when muscles suddenly cramp or tighten, resulting in pain. The condition most typically happens in the calf muscle at the back of the lower leg. The sudden and uncontrollable spasm can often be brief, but it can last for several minutes or up to 10 minutes.

Can a charley horse hurt for days?

These spasms are marked by uncomfortable muscle contractions. If the contracting muscles don’t relax for several seconds or more, the pain can be severe. Severe charley horses can result in muscle soreness that lasts anywhere from a few hours to a day. This is normal, so long as the pain isn’t prolonged or recurring.

Can a charley horse be a sign of a blood clot?

A DVT blood clot can cause a calf cramp that feels a lot like a charley horse. Like leg pain, the cramping sensation with DVT will persist and even worsen with time. It won’t clear up with stretching or walking it off like an ordinary charley horse.

What is the best muscle relaxer?

Which Muscle Relaxants Are Best for Neck and Back Pain?

• 1) Methocarbamol. Methocarbamol (Robaxin) is a well-studied medication that treats back pain. …
• 2) Cyclobenzaprine. …
• 3) Carisoprodol. …
• 4) Metaxalone. …
• 5) Tizanidine. …
• 6) Baclofen. …
• 7) Oxazepam and diazepam.

What do leg cramps at night mean?

Leg cramps at night, or nocturnal leg cramps, are common and can occur due to inactivity during the day, tired muscles, or certain medical conditions. Leg cramps, also called charley horses, are uncontrolled spasms in the muscles of the leg that may be painful.

What foods trigger leg cramps?

Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in your diet can contribute to leg cramps. Diuretics — medications often prescribed for high blood pressure — also can deplete these minerals.

What does charley horse mean?

A charley horse is the common name for a muscle spasm or cramp. Muscle spasms can occur in any muscle in the body, but often happen in the leg. When a muscle is in spasm, it contracts without your control and does not relax.13 мая 2019 г.

What is the difference between a cramp and a charley horse?

Muscle cramps or spasms occur when muscles involuntarily contract and cannot relax. The term charley horse has been used to refer to painful muscle cramps, particularly when they occur in the leg.

How do you stop a Charlie horse at night?

Nocturnal Leg Cramp Prevention

1. Stretch during the day and before bed. Focus on your calf and foot muscles.
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Move around during the day to exercise your feet and legs.
4. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
5. Sleep under loose covers, especially if you sleep on your back.