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

Just 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. This colorful name is believed to come from 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 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, though dehydration, diuretics and certain other medications, pregnancy, strenuous exercise, and long hours standing on hard floors can make them more likely. (1) Read on as we at Aaron Chiropractic Clinic share some more thoughts on these.

When a cramp hits, a slow stretch is your best ally. 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 relax, and many people get relief with massage or warmth from a warm shower or compress. (1)

A few simple habits can help keep charley horses away. 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 go easy 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 dip, muscles can tighten too easily, paving the way for cramps and spasms. (2) Our magnesium levels tend to drop as we age, and nearly two-thirds of Americans fall short of the recommended intake, so foods rich in magnesium and potassium, like leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, avocado, and bananas, are smart additions to your plate. (1,2) Studies of magnesium supplements for night cramps have produced mixed results, so talk with your provider before adding one to your routine. (2) If you have heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease, consult 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 visit.

If charley horses keep interrupting your sleep or holding you back, you don’t have to grin and bear it. 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 figure out what’s going on. Our staff will take the time to listen, consider how your spine, muscles, and daily habits connect, and build a plan that helps you move and rest more comfortably. 

Tune in 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 Aaron Chiropractic Clinic in Fort Wayne today to schedule your visit, and let’s work together to keep those charley horses at bay.