“Charley horse” is another name for a muscle spasm.
you could get a charley horse in just about any muscle, but they most commonly affect leg muscles.
This spasm comes on suddenly and seemingly without reason.
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Though it doesn’t last long, it can be quite painful.
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Charley Horse vs. Cramps: What’s the Difference?
Charley horses, muscle spasms, and muscle cramps are all the same thing.
They’re a sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle, which doesn’t relax right away.
It feels like a tight, painful knot.
Sometimes, the muscle spasm forces you into an unusual position.
For example, your foot or toes may curl.
A charley horse can even happen when you’re sound asleep.
About 40% of people who have nocturnal leg cramps have them at least three times a week.
What Causes Charley Horses?
Thecauseisn’t always obvious.
An exercise-induced charley horse can happen early on or after you’ve been exercising a while.
Other reasons you might get a charley horse include:
Who’s at Risk for Charley Horses?
Just about all adults have had a charley horse at some point.
Most cramps go away within a few minutes.
If the pain persists, you could also take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Try these stretches:
Medical Treatment for a Charley Horse
Muscle cramps don’t usually require medicaltreatment.
For many years, healthcare providers prescribed the malaria drug quinine off-label to treat nighttime muscle cramps.
In severe cases, your healthcare provider may consider stronger pain relievers or muscle relaxants.
If you have a medical problem that causes cramps, treating that problem may help.
They’re often due to muscle fatigue, dehydration, or insufficient warm-up time from exercising.
The risk of more frequent charley horses increases with age and certain medical conditions.
The occasional charley horse usually is harmless and is not a cause for concern.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Muscle cramps.
Harvard Health Publishing.Take that, muscle cramps!
