Lombardy Chiropractic Clinic on Charley Horses: Why They Happen and How to Find Relief

So what is a Charley Horse? Have you ever been jolted awake by a calf muscle that suddenly locks into a hard, painful knot? Then you’ve encountered the charley horse. The nickname is said to come from an old horse named Charley who pulled a roller across the Chicago White Sox ballpark in the 1890s and walked with stiff, aching muscles. (1) What a story! These abrupt, involuntary muscle contractions usually affect the calf or foot, commonly at night, and can persist anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, with soreness that can linger for hours or even days. About one-third of adults over 50 have them. Most charley horses have no obvious cause, but dehydration, diuretics and certain other medications, pregnancy, strenuous exercise, and long hours standing on hard floors can make them more frequent. (1) Read on as we at Lombardy Chiropractic Clinic share some more ideas about these.

When a cramp hits, a gentle stretch is your best friend. For a calf cramp, straighten your knee and point your foot up toward your knee, and if your toes curl, stretch them back in the opposite direction. Getting out of bed and taking a short walk can help the muscle relax, and plenty of people get relief with massage or warmth from a warm shower or compress. (1)

Some easy daily habits can help keep charley horses from coming back. Stretch your calves and hamstrings at bedtime, drink plenty of fluids, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, keep your bed sheets loose at the foot of the bed, and limit alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and decongestants. (1) Your food choices matter here as well. Magnesium helps muscles relax after they contract, and when levels fall short, muscles can tighten too readily, setting the stage for cramps and spasms. (2) Our magnesium levels often fall as we age, and nearly two-thirds of Americans come up short on the recommended intake, so foods rich in magnesium and potassium, like leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, avocado, and bananas, are healthy additions to your plate. (1,2) Studies of magnesium supplements for night cramps have produced mixed results, so ask your provider before beginning one. (2) If you have heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before adjusting your diet or fluid intake. Get prompt care if a cramp is severe, won’t go away, or comes with sudden numbness, weakness, skin color changes, or a limb that feels cold. (1) We can talk more at your next appointment.

If charley horses keep cutting into your sleep or slowing you down, you don’t have to just put up with them. Spine problems that compress the nerves running to the legs are among the conditions linked to leg cramps (1), and a careful exam can help pinpoint what’s behind them. Our practice will take the time to listen, look at how your spine, muscles, and daily habits fit together, and design a plan that helps you move and rest with greater ease. 

Check out this PODCAST with Dr. Kurt Olding on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the relief that’s possible for a patient with spinal stenosis with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management, the safe, gentle treatment we offer. After that, reach out to Lombardy Chiropractic Clinic in Augusta today to schedule your visit, and let’s team up to keep those charley horses at bay.