Charlie’ Horse is a painful bruise in quadriceps muscle of anterior or lateral part of thigh. The pain mostly occurs in the calf muscle when we get up in morning while stretching our body.
What causes charlie horses
- Mineral Deficiency: Low levels of mineral such as potassium and calcium may lead to cramping. Low levels of minerals causes the muscle to contract but prevents it from relaxing.
- Low levels of body fluids while doing strenuous exercise may lead to Charlie horses
- Hormonal imbalance is also a said cause for Charlie horses
- Doing too much exercise or heavy workout on one set of muscle may also be the reason.
- Standing for a long time, or sleeping in an awkward position for long time may also result in Charlie horses.
- Some type of diuretics, anti psychotic drug are also the reasons for cramping.
- In some cases cramping also occurs after dialysis.
- Less common reasons are Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, anemia, hypoglycemia and thyroid disorders
What are the symptoms of Charlie’s horse?
The typical symptom is a feeling that the muscle contracts very quickly causing pain in the contracted part and there is tenderness in that region. The diagnosis can only be made by presence of soreness or tenderness in calf muscle.
Treating of curing leg cramps during night
- Massage the affected part with little pressure till the pain subsides.
- Stretch the calf muscles
- Rub a ice pack on the affected part.
- Applying heat may also relive pain.
- If still pain persists you may require to take non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Take a walk may also reduce the spasm.
How can I prevent cramping at night
- These tips would be useful to prevent cramps.
- Drink plenty of water everyday to prevent dehydration Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine as this might cause dehydration.
- Always workout only within you ability and don’t overstretch your muscles.
- Stretch your legs few minutes before you go to bed.
- Eat food rich in potassium like pumpkins, beans, fish, milk, meat, orange juice.
- Eat food rich in calcium like milk, cheese, banana, yogurt.
- Take vitamin E at least 400 IU. Check with your local doctor before doing this.
- Check your calcium and potassium levels to rule out cramping due to low mineral levels.
- Related Topics
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- Itchy Feet at Night Causes: Treatment and Remedies For Itchy Feet At Night Time
- Charley Horse Causes, Prevention | Leg, Foot Cramps at Night
- Aching Legs | Causes And Home Remedies For Aching Legs And Feet
