A charley horse is a sudden, painful involuntary muscle cramp, commonly occurring in the legs, especially the calf muscles. These cramps happen when a muscle suddenly tightens and cannot relax, causing sharp pain that may last from a few seconds to several minutes or even longer in some cases. Several factors can cause charley horses, including:
- Muscle overuse or injury (such as from strenuous exercise or physical work)
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances, especially low levels of magnesium, potassium, or calcium
- Poor blood flow to muscles
- Not stretching enough before physical activity
- Nerve irritation or compression
- Medication side effects (such as from diuretics or statins)
- Medical conditions like kidney disease or neurological disorders
- Pregnancy
- Stress and poor posture
Relief usually comes from stretching and massaging the affected muscle, applying heat or cold, and staying hydrated. Frequent or severe cramps may require medical evaluation to rule out underlying issues.
