Satterwhite Chiropractic on Charley Horses: Why They Happen and How to Find Relief

So what is a Charley Horse? Has a calf muscle ever jolted you awake by suddenly locking into a hard, painful knot? Then you’ve encountered the charley horse. The nickname is said to trace back to 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 abrupt, involuntary muscle contractions usually strike the calf or foot, commonly at night, and can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, with soreness that might stick around for hours or even days. About one-third of adults over 50 deal with them. Most charley horses have no obvious cause, though dehydration, diuretics and certain other medications, pregnancy, strenuous exercise, and long hours standing on hard floors can make them more frequent. (1) Read on as we at Satterwhite Chiropractic share some more ideas about these.

When a cramp strikes, a slow stretch is your best ally. 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 release, and many people find relief with massage or warmth from a warm shower or compress. (1)

A few simple habits can help keep charley horses away. Stretch your calves and hamstrings before bed, drink plenty of fluids, try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, leave your bed sheets loose at the foot of the bed, and limit alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and decongestants. (1) What you eat can make a difference, too. Magnesium helps muscles relax after they contract, and when levels dip, muscles can tighten too easily, opening the door to cramps and spasms. (2) Our magnesium levels typically fall as we age, and nearly two-thirds of Americans don’t meet 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 shown mixed results, so talk with your provider before starting one. (2) If you have heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease, check with your doctor before adjusting your diet or fluid intake. Seek 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 simply live with them. Spine problems that compress the nerves running to the legs are among the conditions linked to leg cramps (1), and a thorough exam can help figure out what’s behind them. Our team will take the time to listen, evaluate how your spine, muscles, and daily habits connect, and create a plan that helps you move and rest with greater ease. 

Tune in to this PODCAST with Dr. Kurt Olding on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes 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, contact Satterwhite Chiropractic in Oxford today to make an appointment, and let’s team up to keep those charley horses at bay.