What triggers a charley horse?

Muscle spasms often occur when a muscle is overused or injured. Things that might bring on a muscle spasm include: Exercising when you have not had enough fluids (you’re dehydrated). Having low levels of minerals such as potassium or calcium.

How do you stop a Charlie horse?

Preventing charley horses
  1. Stretch before and after exercise.
  2. Avoid exercising the same muscles on consecutive days.
  3. Do not exercise in severe weather.
  4. Drink water throughout the day.
  5. Drink beverages that contain electrolytes, such as Gatorade.
  6. Stretch before going to bed.

How long does a charley horse last?

Scientists understand that a charley horse occurs 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 is often brief, but it can last up to 10 minutes .

Why is a charley horse so painful?

The extreme pain comes from the continued contraction. “The contraction goes beyond what you want to do,” said Porter. “The muscle fatigues, it starts hurting, you say, ‘all right stop,’ but it’s doing it on its own — it’s not your idea, it’s an involuntary action.”

How do you stop a Charlie horse at night?

Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating right, exercising regularly and getting enough proper sleep. Take a warm bath or shower to soothe tight muscles. Wear supportive shoes with proper arch and ankle support. Keep sheets and blankets loose around your feet so you aren’t as restricted to move around at night.

What to do if you feel a charlie horse coming on?

As soon as you feel the cramp coming on, stop your activity. Massage your muscle and stretch it slowly, keeping it stretched until the cramp eases up. For example, if your calf is cramping, flex your foot (toes pointed toward you) and keep it flexed until the spasm stops.

Is a charley horse a blood clot?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of your body, usually in your legs, but sometimes in your arm. The signs and symptoms of a DVT include: Swelling, usually in one leg (or arm) Leg pain or tenderness often described as a cramp or Charley horse.

Why did I get a charley horse while sleeping?

Inactivity during the day

This physical inactivity when a person has not stretched their muscles for a while may increase the risk of cramps, and these can commonly occur in bed at night. Someone who does not stretch their muscles or exercise regularly may be more at risk of leg cramps at night.

Should you rub a charley horse?

A charley horse will usually go away after a few hours or days. However, gentle massage or holding the muscle in a stretched position will help resolve the cramp more quickly.

How do you stop 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 can I drink for leg cramps?

Drink Water

Dehydration often plays a part in muscle cramps, so drinking enough water throughout the day can help keep them at bay. Drinking fluids while you have a cramp helps the muscles contract and relax. When you keep hydrated, your muscle cells also stay hydrated and are less irritable or uncomfortable.