A Charlie Horse is a rather funny name for a very painful condition, the involuntary cramping of a muscle in the legs. It takes its name from American baseball pitcher Charlie “Old Hoss” Radbourn who suffered from frequent leg cramps. Because these cramps often strike at night without any warning, they are often called “nocturnal leg cramps” and can last in duration for only a few minutes to as much as several hours.

The sensation of a Charlie Horse feels like the muscle has contracted into knots and there may be swelling, tingling, pain and an overall sensation of tightening in the area affected. The causes of a Charlie Horse are numerous. They include muscle fatigue after sudden strenuous physical exertion. A lack of potassium, calcium and magnesium in the body can also trigger a Charlie Horse episode. Dehydration can trigger a Charlie Horse since a lack of enough water in the body decreases muscle lubrication. Charlie Horses can also form as a side effect to certain medications, and pregnant women often experience them due to increased weight gain and decreased blood circulation in the legs. Several quick actions taken as soon as a Charlie Horse is felt can offer relief.

Ice Relief

Applying an ice pack to a Charlie Horse usually offers immediate relief. Heat application is never recommended for a Charlie Horse as this may increase swelling and increase the amount of pain felt.

Stretching and Massaging

Gentle massaging of the painful area usually brings relief for a Charlie Horse. Gentle stretching of the quadriceps muscle at least five times daily is another helpful activity.

Elevating the Legs

When a Charlie Horse strikes, lie down and prop both legs up on several pillows so that your feet are higher than your heart to encourage the blood to flow from your legs towards your heart.

Just because you’ve experienced a Charlie Horse doesn’t mean you can’t prevent them from occuring in the future. Make sure your daily vitamin regimen includes 400 iu of Vitamin E as well as adequate supplies of both calcium and magnesium. Include a banana in your daily diet, an excellent source of potassium. Give yourself adequate warm up and stretching time prior to engaging in exercise. Be sure to be well-hydrated throughout the day and especially before, during and after exercise work-outs. The sudden, sharp pain of a Charlie Horse can be eliminated totally from your experience by taking a few simple preventative steps.

Posted by Mike on July 10, 2009 in Aches & Pains