What Causes A Charley Horse In Your Calf

Long periods of exercise or physical labor particularly in hot weather can lead to muscle cramps.

For many years experts believed muscle cramping was linked to dehydration and a loss of electrolytes which creates an imbalance of minerals like magnesium and potassium in the body though research now suggests it may have more to do with muscle fatigue and nerve dysfunction. Athletes often experience charley horses because of muscle fatigue or overuse. There are also a few additional tips you must incorporate into your daily life to prevent the recurrence of this condition. Though generally harmless muscle cramps can make it temporarily impossible to use the affected muscle.

Whether you call it a foot or leg cramp aka charley horse it s a common somewhat mysterious pain that happens when a muscle gets involuntarily stiff and can t relax. The condition most typically happens in the calf muscle at the back of the lower leg. Overuse of a muscle dehydration muscle strain or simply holding a position for a prolonged period can cause a muscle cramp. Although painful to live with cramps are generally harmless.

It s not entirely understood what causes charley horses though a number of factors could be at work. In many cases however the cause isn t known. Since deficiency in minerals is one of the leading causes of charley horses or leg cramps following these diet tips ought to help. Learn more about the causes risk factors diagnosis treatment and prevention of.

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The skeletal muscles those over which we have voluntary control are most prone to cramping. Leg cramps are sudden involuntary intense muscle pains usually in your calf foot or thigh. People who are obese are more likely to experience charley horses because of poor circulation in their legs. A charley horse happens when muscles suddenly cramp or tighten resulting in pain.

The term charley horse has been used to refer to painful muscle cramps particularly when they occur in the leg. Muscle cramps or spasms occur when muscles involuntarily contract and cannot relax. If you ve ever been awakened in the night or stopped in your tracks by a sudden charley horse you know that muscle cramps can cause severe pain. While they can be uncomfortable they are rarely harmful.

What causes charlie horses in the calf.