Charley horses in the legs are caused by sudden, involuntary muscle spasms or cramps, most commonly occurring in the calf muscles. These spasms cause the muscle to tighten painfully and can last from seconds to minutes or even longer in some cases
. Common causes and triggers include:
- Dehydration, which reduces fluid and electrolyte balance in muscles
- Overuse or excessive exercise of a muscle leading to fatigue
- Lack of stretching before or after physical activity, causing tight muscles
- Electrolyte imbalances, especially low levels of magnesium, potassium, or calcium
- Poor blood flow or circulation to the muscles
- Nerve compression or spinal issues that affect muscle control
- Being active in extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
- Certain medications such as diuretics, statins, and asthma drugs that affect electrolyte levels or muscle function
- Medical conditions like kidney disease, pregnancy, diabetes, and neurological disorders
Charley horses can also happen during rest or sleep, not just during physical activity
. In summary: Charley horses in the legs are primarily caused by muscle fatigue, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, poor circulation, nerve issues, or medication side effects. Stretching, hydration, and maintaining proper mineral levels can help prevent them
