A charley horse or muscle spasm is a sudden involuntary contraction of a muscle. It does not usually last long, but it can be very painful. A charley horse or muscle spasm can occur during activity or when a person is sedentary, and they can also strike in the middle of the night. This symptom can be relieved with gentle stretching, rubbing the area, or putting weight on the area if the cramp is in the leg or foot. To help prevent muscle spasms, it is important to understand the common causes of charley horses.
Overuse
Working out too hard or beyond personal physical limits can cause the muscles to tighten and cramp, states MedlinePlus. The risk for a cramp is higher if there is inadequate intake of potassium, magnesium or calcium. When there is a decreased level of electrolytes in the body, the muscles cannot contract properly and they can cramp. The best defense is to perform a proper warm-up and cool down and eat a well-balanced diet. Increasing training intensity slowly will also help to avoid painful charley horses.
Dehydration
Sometimes charley horses and muscle spasms occur with no known cause. However, they can be due to dehydration, warns the Mayo Clinic website. If the body does not have enough fluid due to not drinking enough or during periods of exertion in hot and humid weather, the muscles can become weak, which can lead to spasms.
Dehydration can also occur when healing from a burn injury, during an illness that causes prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, or in cases where there is increased urination. It is important to hydrate with water throughout the day and not wait until feeling thirsty. During heavy workouts, exposure to extreme temperatures or when dealing with a serious illness, it may be helpful to drink beverages with electrolytes, such as sports drinks.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral vascular disease, or PAD, is a condition where there is decreased blood flow or circulation in the legs. The most common early warning sign is lower leg muscle spasms or cramping that is worse during activity but subsides with rest, according to the New York-Presbyterian Hospital website. During periods of exertion, the muscles are not getting the blood they need to work properly, which can cause a charley horse.
As the condition progresses, there may be skin color or temperature changes in the legs, hair loss, loss of sensation and many other symptoms. PAD is a serious condition that can lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke. The best defense is to stay on top of blood pressure and cholesterol levels by checking them regularly.
Peripheral Neuropathy
The term peripheral neuropathy refers to any condition that causes damage to the nerves that control the lower body and arms. Peripheral neuropathy can occur from an injury, a medical condition such as arthritis or diabetes, or a complication of surgery. When the nerve signals are unable to reach the muscles, they will not be able to work properly.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, common symptoms include muscle cramps or spasms, loss of sensation, muscle weakness and bone loss. The first step in treatment is to identify the underlying disease, adds NINDS.
