Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre on Charley Horses: Why They Happen and How to Find Relief

Just what is a Charley Horse? Has a calf muscle ever jolted you awake by suddenly locking into a hard, painful knot? Then you’ve been introduced to the charley horse. This colorful name is thought 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 most often affect the calf or foot, frequently at night, and can last 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 deal with them. Most charley horses have no clear cause, though dehydration, diuretics and certain other medications, pregnancy, strenuous exercise, and long hours standing on hard floors can make them more common. (1) Read on as we at Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre share some more thoughts on these.

When a cramp strikes, a careful stretch is your best friend. 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 lots of folks find relief with massage or warmth from a warm shower or compress. (1)

Some easy daily habits can help keep charley horses from coming back. Stretch your calves and hamstrings before bed, keep up your fluid intake, try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day, keep your bed sheets loose at the foot of the bed, and go easy on alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and decongestants. (1) It also pays to eat with your muscles in mind. Magnesium helps muscles relax after they contract, and when levels dip, muscles can tighten too easily, paving the way for cramps and spasms. (2) Our magnesium levels often drop as we age, and nearly two-thirds of Americans fall short of the recommended intake, so foods high in magnesium and potassium, like leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, avocado, and bananas, are smart additions to your menu. (1,2) Studies of magnesium supplements for night cramps have produced 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 adjusting your diet or fluid intake. Get prompt care if a cramp is severe, doesn’t let up, or comes with sudden numbness, weakness, skin color changes, or a limb that feels cold. (1) We can talk more at your next appointment.

If charley horses keep cutting into your sleep or holding you back, you don’t have to grin and bear it. 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 sort out the cause. Our team will take the time to listen, look at how your spine, muscles, and daily habits connect, and create 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 possible for a patient with spinal stenosis with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management, the gentle, safe treatment we offer. After that, reach out to Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre in Toronto today to schedule your visit, and let’s team up to send those charley horses packing.