"Charley horse" is a slang term commonly used to describe painful muscle spasms, particularly those that occur in your legs. When you experience this type of spasm, your affected muscle contracts on its own and does not respond to your conscious control. While failure to stretch after exercising won't trigger a charley horse, stretching can help prevent the circumstances that eventually lead to spasming or help you relieve a spasm once it begins.
Causes
Muscle spasms are sometimes referred to as muscle cramps. They commonly occur when you injure or overuse certain muscles, including the hamstrings on the backs of your thighs, the quadriceps on the fronts of your thighs and the gastrocnemius muscles on the backs of your calves. The most common cause of exercise-related spasms is insufficient fluid intake or body hydration. You also increase your chances for spasming if your body contains unusually low levels of calcium, potassium or other important minerals. Performance of any exercise under these conditions can trigger cramping problems.
Stretching and Treatment
If you feel the onset of a charley horse, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus recommends that you stop whatever you're doing and stretch out and massage your cramping muscle. Applying heat to your affected muscle will help in the early stages of cramping. After the initial spasm passes, you can apply ice or another cold source as a follow-up treatment. If pain in your muscle persists, you can ease your soreness with over-the-counter painkillers. Individuals with severe cramping may receive antispasmodic medications from their doctors.
Stretching and Prevention
You can help prevent exercise-related muscle cramping by performing stretching exercises that increase your flexibility. You can also prevent cramping by keeping yourself thoroughly hydrated during exercise and using potassium sources such as bananas or orange juice to boost your mineral levels. Drinking mineral-containing sports drinks can help you address both of these concerns. You can reduce your cramping risks by participating in an exercise routine that doesn't exceed your current physical capabilities.
Considerations
While most muscle spasms get better over time without medical treatment, Medline Plus advises contacting your doctor if spasming triggers severe pain or is accompanied by unusual muscle weakness. If you have frequent spasms, your doctor and a fitness instructor may be able to modify your exercise routine and lower your cramping risks. Be aware that some spasms result from the irritation of nerves in your body. If you develop a nerve-related spasm, you may require physical therapy or surgery to relieve your symptoms.
Member Comments