Why Do I Get Charley Horses In My Calves?

Things that can trigger a charley horse include: Poor blood flow. Working your muscles too much. Not stretching enough.

What causes charley horses in calves?

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 get rid of a charlie horse in your calf?

How do I stop a leg cramp? Try forcefully stretching the affected muscle (for example, stretch your calf muscle by flexing your foot upward). Jiggle your leg, massage it, or force yourself to walk. It might also help to apply ice or heat – use a heating pad or take a warm bath.

What does it mean when you get charley horses in your calves at night?

Leg cramps at night, or nocturnal leg cramps (NLCs), are common and can occur due to inactivity during the day, tired muscles, or certain medical conditions. NLCs, also called charley horses, are uncontrolled spasms in the muscles of the leg that may be painful.

What are you lacking if you get charley horses?

Mineral depletion.
Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in your diet can contribute to leg cramps. Diuretics — medications often prescribed for high blood pressure — also can deplete these minerals.

What are 5 common causes of muscle cramps?

What causes muscle cramps?

• Initiation of new exercise.
• Dehydration.
• Electrolyte imbalance.
• Aging.
• Inactivity.
• Diabetes.
• Pregnancy.
• Certain medications, most notably diuretics and statins.

How long can a charley horse last in your calf?

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 .

When should I be concerned about calf pain?

See your doctor as soon as possible if you have: Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth or tenderness, or you have a fever greater than100 F (37.8 C) A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool. Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride.

How do I relax my calves?

Stretches to relieve tight calves

1. Stand near a wall with one foot in front of the other, front knee slightly bent.
2. Keep your back knee straight, your heel on the ground, and lean toward the wall.
3. Feel the stretch all along the calf of your back leg.
4. Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds.

What causes multiple Charlie horses at night?

In general, night leg cramps are likely to be related to muscle fatigue and nerve problems. The risk of having night leg cramps increases with age. Pregnant women also have a higher likelihood of having night leg cramps.

What can I drink for leg cramps?

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

What is a Charley horse punch?

“Charlie Horse” is a slang term, not a technical diagnosis. Most of us know what it means though. 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.

Why does charley horse hurt so much?

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 Charlie horses at night?

Treating Nocturnal Leg Cramps

1. Stretch the muscle.
2. Get out of bed and stand with your foot flat on the floor. Press down firmly.
3. Massage the muscle.
4. Flex your foot.
5. Grab your toes and pull them toward you.
6. Ice the cramp.
7. Take a warm bath.

What foods get rid of charley horses?

12 Foods That May Help with Muscle Cramps

• Avocado. Avocados are creamy, delicious fruits that are packed with nutrients that may help prevent muscle cramps.
• Watermelon. One possible cause of muscle cramps is dehydration.
• Coconut water.
• Sweet potato.
• Greek yogurt.
• Bone broth.
• Papaya.
• Beet greens.

Why won’t my leg cramp go away?

Muscles that are tired or dehydrated become irritated and are more likely to cramp up. A deficiency of electrolytes such as magnesium or potassium in your diet can lead to more frequent cramping, by preventing your muscles from fully relaxing.

What neurological disorder causes muscle cramps?

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that results in unwanted muscle contractions or spasms. The involuntary twisting, repetitive motions, or abnormal postures associated with dystonia can affect anyone at any age. The movements can be slow or fast, range from mild to severe and happen predictably or randomly.

What medications can cause muscle cramps?

The 3 most commonly prescribed medication classes with a potential link to cramping are diuretics, statins, and inhaled long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs).

Can a charley horse cause a blood clot?

Several of the above situations that trigger a Charlie Horse may also increase risk of blood clot development, especially dehydration and inadequate blood flow, such as remaining sedentary for long periods of time.

Can a blood clot in leg feel like charley horse?

Deep Vein Thrombosis:
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.

How can you tell the difference between a blood clot and a leg cramp?

A DVT will often present with pain, redness, heat and a palpable lump, whereas a strain or muscle cramp will be painful but doesn’t always have redness or heat radiating from the area. A cramp can usually be “walked off”, whereas a DVT has a constant pain intensity.