Introduction:
Muscle spasm is a very common condition and is also called charley horse. It can occur anywhere in the body but legs are the most common site and the affected muscles are calf muscles or the foot or thigh muscles. These are experienced as uncomfortable muscle contractions. If the spasm of the muscle does not relax for some time, it increases the intensity of the pain. This soreness, if it turns severe, can last from a few hours to even days. It can be considered normal if the pain does not recur again or if it does not prolong.
Why Is It Called Charley Horse?
The origin of the term ‘charley horse’ can be dated back to the 1880s informal American sporting terms. One story says that it was used by a baseball player who mentioned a horse as lame and horses helped with groundskeeper jobs in the game of baseball. Another story is related to a Washington Post in 1907 where the term was supposed to originate from a baseball pitcher named Charley who used to get muscle cramps while playing games in the 1880s.
It has to be noted that charley horse does not occur only during the game of baseball, but it can occur during any type of exercise, game, or sport.
What Causes Charley Horse?
A muscle cramp can be caused due to various factors which can be physiologic as well as pathologic. Some of the most common causes are listed below:
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Inadequate blood flow to the muscles.
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Injuries to the muscle.
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Exercising in extreme temperatures like hot or cold.
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Overuse of a particular muscle during exercise.
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Stress can be most commonly seen to affect the muscles of the neck.
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Lack of stretching before starting exercise.
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Compression of nerves in the spine.
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Usage of diuretics that results in low potassium levels.
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Depletion of minerals, presence of too little calcium, potassium, and sodium in the body.
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Dehydration.
It is noted that most people experience these types of spasms during sleeping and hence, are awakened in the middle of their sleep.
Sometimes, calf pain can be due to various causes other than muscle cramps like trauma, deep vein thrombosis, ruptured Baker’s cyst (a fluid-filled cyst that develops behind the knee), and so on. Also, some other illnesses can result in the manifestation of leg cramps like cardiac diseases, kidney diseases, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, metabolic conditions, and so on. Hence, proper diagnosis is mandatory to rule out other conditions.
What Causes Leg Cramps or Leg Pain At Night?
The other name for leg pain at night is nocturnal leg cramps. The common causes of leg pain at night are as follows:
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Dehydration.
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Mineral imbalances, such as potassium, calcium, and sodium.
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Overuse of leg muscles.
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Poor blood circulation in the leg.
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Compression of nerves in the legs.
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Medications, such as statins and diuretics.
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During pregnancy, pressure changes on the nerves.
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Neurological disorders, such as motor neuron disease.
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Cold temperatures.
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Structural abnormalities in the legs.
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Older age.
What Are the Risk Factors of Developing Charley Horse?
Muscle spasms are a common phenomenon and can happen to anyone at any time and any age. But, the following are known to be in the high-risk group:
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Athletes.
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Infants and children.
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Elderly people.
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Obese people.
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People using diuretics, statins, etc.
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Smokers.
Since obese people have poor circulation in their legs, they tend to experience more spasms in their legs. Muscle fatigue or overuse of leg muscles are common causes of charley horse in athletes. Usually, one experiences pain in the muscles of the affected areas, which may last up to a day.
How Can Charley Horse Be Diagnosed?
If the spasm happens occasionally, it does not require a medical diagnosis. But, if it is either frequent or recurrent, it needs medical attention followed by a proper diagnosis. The healthcare professional usually takes a complete medical history followed by a physical examination. Later, imaging tests like MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan will be suggested. It will help in finding the cause of nerve compression. Sometimes, to rule out low potassium, calcium, or magnesium levels, laboratory investigations may be required. Also, a referral to a physical therapist or other specialists may be done in cases of complex conditions.
How Can Charley Horse Be Treated?
The treatment of charley horse usually depends on the underlying cause of the spasm. For example, if it is exercise-induced, stretching and massaging the involved body part will help relax the muscle and thus, stop it from contracting.
Usage of heating pads can accelerate the healing process and an ice pack helps to numb the area. Also, the physician might prescribe some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen if basic therapies do not seem to be helpful.
Recurrent cases of charley horse need more aggressive management. Prescription of antispasmodics can be expected. Along with it, physical therapy will prove to be beneficial. When it is an extreme case where none of the above-mentioned therapies work, surgery will be done as it will increase the space around the nerve and thus relieve the pressure. This method is helpful in cases of nerve compression.
Some of the following stretches may prove to be beneficial when the spasm is in the legs:
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Standing up.
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Stepping the non-affected leg into a lunge.
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Straightening of the affected leg and lunging forward on the leg that is in front.
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For a charley horse in the calf an individual should stand up on the tips of the toes for a few seconds which will result in stretching of the calf muscles.
How Can Charley Horse Be Prevented?
Identification of the cause of the occasional occurrence of charley horse is the initial step towards prevention of the condition. The following steps will help prevent experiencing the spasms in the future:
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Stretching before and after doing exercise.
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By avoiding exercising the same muscles on consecutive days.
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By avoiding exercising in extreme or severe weather conditions.
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Drinking enough water throughout the day.
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Drinking beverages that contain electrolytes.
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Stretching the body before going to bed.
When Should One Consult a Healthcare Professional For Muscle Cramps?
Muscle cramps usually do not cause any harm, and resolve within a few minutes. However, one must consult a physician if they experience the following:
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If the muscle cramps prolong for a long duration.
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Is severe.
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Occurs frequently.
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Does not improve with drinking enough fluids and stretching.
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Are accompanied by redness, swelling, feeling of warmth, and muscle weakness.
Conclusion:
Charley Horse is a basic condition that is characterized by muscle spasms and can occur to anyone at any time. These conditions are usually treatable or preventable. It has to be noticed that any pain due to muscle spasm does not last more than a day and if it continues to happen, medical attention is required. Now, with the help of online medical platforms, it has become easy for one to obtain consultation about their queries anywhere anytime. Hence, one can consult an expert online to know more details about this condition.
