Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC on Charley Horses: Why They Happen and How to Find Relief

So what is a Charley Horse? Has a calf muscle ever jolted you awake by suddenly locking into a hard, painful knot? Then you’ve encountered the charley horse. The nickname 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 stiff, aching muscles. (1) What a story! These unexpected, involuntary muscle contractions typically strike the calf or foot, often 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 experience them. Most charley horses have no single identifiable 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 Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC share some more ideas about these.

When a cramp strikes, a gentle stretch is your best ally. For a calf cramp, 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 taking a short walk can help the muscle relax, and plenty of people feel better with massage or warmth from a warm shower or compress. (1)

A handful of simple habits can help keep charley horses at a distance. Stretch your calves and hamstrings before you turn in, stay well hydrated, work toward 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) What you eat can make a difference, too. Magnesium helps muscles relax after they contract, and when levels run low, muscles can tighten too readily, setting the stage for cramps and spasms. (2) Our magnesium levels tend to decline as we age, and nearly two-thirds of Americans don’t meet the recommended intake, so foods rich in magnesium and potassium, like leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, avocado, and bananas, are wise additions to your menu. (1,2) Studies of magnesium supplements for night cramps have shown mixed results, so ask your provider before beginning one. (2) If you have heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease, check with your doctor before changing your diet or fluid intake. Get prompt care if a cramp is severe, persists, 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 cutting into your sleep or getting in your way, you don’t have to simply live 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 the cause. Our practice will take the time to listen, look at 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 explains the relief that’s possible for a patient with spinal stenosis with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management, the gentle, safe treatment we offer. Then, reach out to Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC in La Grande today to schedule your visit, and let’s team up to send those charley horses packing.