What to Do About Charley Horses at Night
Charley horses are those sudden, painful muscle cramps that can strike out of nowhere, often leaving you in discomfort. These involuntary muscle contractions typically affect the legs, especially the calves, and can happen to anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Although generally harmless, frequent or severe charley horses can disrupt your sleep and daily routine. In this article, we’ll explore what charley horses are, why they happen, and how to prevent and treat them.
What Are Charley Horses?
Charley horses are muscle cramps or spasms, most often occurring in the calves. These cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of one or more muscles. While they usually last just a few seconds, they can sometimes continue for several minutes, causing intense pain and making it difficult to move. Charley horses can occur during physical activity, but they are also common at night while you’re resting, which can disturb your sleep and leave you in discomfort the next day.
Why Do Charley Horses Happen?
There are many reasons why charley horses may occur. Dehydration is a common culprit because it disrupts the balance of important electrolytes, like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are essential for proper muscle function. Overexertion, especially from repetitive movements, can also lead to cramps. Poor circulation, nerve compression, and not stretching properly before exercise are other contributing factors. Pregnant women and older adults are particularly prone to muscle cramps due to changes in muscle elasticity and body conditions.
How to Recognize Charley Horses
The most obvious sign of a charley horse is sudden, sharp pain in the affected muscle. Often, you’ll also notice a hard lump of muscle under the skin, and the muscle may feel tight or firm to the touch. After the cramp subsides, the area may be sore or tender for a while, and you may temporarily lose some flexibility or movement in the affected muscle.
How to Prevent Charley Horses
To reduce the likelihood of experiencing charley horses, try these prevention tips:
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