How to get rid of a charlie 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 causes Charlie horses and how do you get rid of them?

Some of the other causes include:

• Dehydration or low amounts of potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium.
• Certain medications you’re taking.
• Muscle fatigue or strain from overuse, too much exercise, or holding a muscle in the same position for a long time.
• Bad shoes.

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 can I drink for leg cramps?

Drink plenty of fluids. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, will often help leg cramps.

Does dehydration cause charley horses?

Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle strain or simply holding a position for a prolonged period can cause a muscle cramp. In many cases, however, the cause isn’t known. Although most muscle cramps are harmless, some may be related to an underlying medical condition, such as: Inadequate blood supply.

What is a Charley horse punch?

“Charlie Horse” is a slang term, not a technical diagnosis. … Whether a kick, knee, punch or elbow to a muscle, a Charlie Horse is a painful blunt force trauma that can be very intense at the time of injury. If severe enough, the pain can last a few days and involve bruising and swelling.

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.

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.