How to Understand Charley Horse Cramps

Ouch! Experiencing a charley horse in the middle of the night can be a painful experience not soon forgotten. A charley horse is a commonly used term for a cramp in the legs or feet that often compels the sufferer to contort his face and emit a few moans and groans of agony. Although the pain is usually brief, a charley horse can leave a lasting impression on the unfortunate individual unlucky enough to experience it. What causes a charley horse cramp?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Excessive Exercise
   
   If you’re not a conditioned athlete and head out for a ten mile run, you’re more likely to experience a charley horse, although you may not experience the symptoms until many hours later. If you’re older in age or carrying a few extra pounds, you may be at higher risk. To prevent a charley horse when you don’t exercise regularly, avoid doing too much exercise too quickly. Take it easy the first few weeks of an exercise program and you’ll be less likely fall victim to a charley horse cramp.

2. Electrolyte Imbalances
   
   Although not always the case, a charley horse can be caused by an electrolyte imbalance, most commonly calcium, potassium, or sodium. The electrolyte imbalance that leads up to the charley horse can be related to a variety of medical problems or brought on by simple dehydration. Charley horse cramps are more common in hot weather when excessive sweating takes place which can cause sodium or potassium imbalances to occur. Although it’s important to drink plenty of water to prevent muscle cramping in hot weather, drinking an electrolyte rich drink such as Gatorade may be more beneficial.

3. Medications
   
   Certain medications are known to increase the risk of developing leg cramps, particularly mood stabilizing medications such as anti-psychotics. Some heart and blood pressure medications such as diuretics increase the risk of cramps by altering potassium, sodium, or calcium levels. People with kidney disease who are on dialysis also have more frequent charley horse cramps because of changes in potassium and sodium levels. Ask your doctor if your medications could put you at increased risk for a charley horse.

4. In rare cases, charley horse cramps can be caused by more serious medication problems such as peripheral artery disease, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder. If you’re experiencing leg cramps on a frequent basis, see your doctor.

[MyJB]

on 5/20/2009 Good article especially since cramps in legs or feet are very annoying and many suffer from this. Thanks for sharing. 5*