Charley Horse in Calf

Charley horse in calf is a common problem, which occurs in the calf muscle of an individual's leg in the form of a spasm. It is a temporary feeling which can be experienced in the calf region muscles as excruciating pain, mainly occurring at night. During this spasm, the concerned muscle contracts and cramps, suddenly without the slightest indication beforehand. The charley horse is a very painful feeling and you can experience the calf muscles getting locked in a particular contracted position. When such types of Charley horses are experienced, the pain is so sudden that you loose all control over that muscle and find it impossible to use it. There are many causes of the charley horse in calf, as it is a vital muscle that is used for daily activity. Find some causes and treatments for these muscle cramps in the coming up paragraphs.

Charley Horse in Calf Causes
When you wake up from your sleep, suddenly you experience excruciating pain in your calf muscles. You can't figure out what caused it, but all you want is, for it to go away. There are many reasons that cause this muscle pain in the calf called the charley horse and most of the time, we ignore them. Hence, take a look at what causes charley horses in calf and why they occur mostly at nights.

• Charley horse in calf can be caused basically due to any strenuous exercise or activity done during the day. As this is a late response of the strain caused to the calf muscles, it mainly occurs at nights after the body has relaxed completely. Charley horse in calf while sleeping, is a sudden muscle cramp which is a result of the deep contraction of this muscle.
• It also might be the result of an electrolyte and/or mineral imbalance in the body. Low levels of minerals like calcium and potassium in the body can lead to the sudden occurrences of charley horse in calf muscles.
• Kidney dialysis has been observed as one of the causes of this condition, but it is experienced on a very minor level.
• When the liquid content of the body lowers down (dehydration) due to excess of exercise in the day, it can lead to charley horse disorder.
• Some charley horses also occur due to taking up too much physical stress during weaker conditions like pregnancy. Thus, charley horse in calf during pregnancy is a very common condition as, there is already enough weight on the calf and other leg muscles.
• Spasms may occur due to irritation of the nerve that connects to the calf muscle, but this reason is a very rare cause.
• Kicking and swimming is one of the major charley horse causes in calf muscles.
• It can also be a side effect of certain medicines.

Charley Horse in Calf Treatment
If you have a sudden charley horse in calf, you have to relieve it, thus, follow some of the treatments mentioned below for fast pain relief.

• The first thing you should do when you get a charley horse in calf is to stretch the cramped muscle. If you can't, massage it with your fingers and then gently stretch it out.
• Also, drink some water as it might be due to dehydration and thus, liquid will help you relieve the pain. Stretch out the leg very slowly, as jerks can worsen the existing pain.
• The potassium and other minerals in your body are low at the time of the muscle cramps, thus make sure you eat a banana as they are rich in minerals. It will sooth the aching muscles and reduce the pain when you stretch.
• If the charley horses are recurrent, make sure, you stack up foods which are high in nutrients like calcium and potassium. Pregnant women need these minerals and thus, they should always take care of these supplements.
• After a strenuous workout or exercise, wait for some time and then drink a lot of water or glucose with electrolytes. This will act as a good muscle pain relief and will replenish your body from imbalances.
• Keep a balanced and healthy diet throughout the day.

With these causes and treatments for charley horse in calf muscles, you must have found out, what that sudden pain was! If you follow the above mentioned treatments for this pain, I am sure, it will reduce to quite an extent.