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

Just what is a Charley Horse? Have you ever woken with a start as a calf muscle suddenly seized into a hard, painful knot? Then you’ve encountered the charley horse. This colorful name is said to originate with an old horse named Charley who pulled a roller across the Chicago White Sox ballpark in the 1890s and walked with achy, stiff muscles. (1) What a story! These abrupt, involuntary muscle contractions typically strike the calf or foot, commonly at night, and can last 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 deal with them. Most charley horses have no obvious cause, although 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 Most Chiropractic Clinic share some more thoughts on these.

When a cramp hits, a gentle stretch is your best friend. If the cramp is in your calf, straighten your knee and point your foot up toward your knee, and if your toes curl, draw them back in the opposite direction. Getting out of bed and walking around can help the muscle release, and lots of folks feel better 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 before you turn in, stay well hydrated, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, leave your bed sheets loose at the foot of the bed, and cut back on alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and decongestants. (1) It also pays to eat with your muscles in mind. Magnesium helps muscles relax after they contract, and when levels run low, muscles can tighten too easily, setting the stage for cramps and spasms. (2) Our magnesium levels tend to decline as we age, and nearly two-thirds of Americans fall short of the recommended intake, so foods high in magnesium and potassium, like leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, avocado, and bananas, are healthy additions to your menu. (1,2) Studies of magnesium supplements for night cramps have had mixed results, so talk with your provider before adding one to your routine. (2) If you have heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease, check with your doctor before changing your diet or fluid intake. Seek 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 visit.

If charley horses keep interrupting 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 staff will make 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. 

Listen to 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, contact Most Chiropractic Clinic in Murfreesboro today to schedule your visit, and let’s work together to keep those charley horses at bay.