Charley Horse Definition, Causes and More
Article Sources
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- 2. 'Muscle Cramps.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21190-muscle-cramps.
- 3. Publishing, Harvard Health. 'Take That, Muscle Cramps!' Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/take-that-muscle-cramps.
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- 6. Bone, Muscle and Joint Team. 'Don't Let Foot Cramps and Charley Horses Slow You Down.' Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 15 Sept. 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/dont-let-foot-cramps-charley-horses-slow/.
- 7. Allen, Richard E., and Karl A. Kirby. 'Nocturnal Leg Cramps.' American Family Physician, 15 Aug. 2012, www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0815/p350.html.
- 8. 'Charley Horse : MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.' MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002066.htm.
- 9. Muscle Cramps By Michael C. Levin, et al. 'Muscle Cramps - Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders.' Merck Manuals Consumer Version, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/home/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders/symptoms-of-brain-spinal-cord-and-nerve-disorders/muscle-cramps.
Treatment
If a charley horse occurs, the person should stop whatever they're doing and stretch and massage the affected area until the discomfort eases. In most cases, medical attention isn't needed to treat charley horses. Applying heat may help calm the spasm, and ice may help alleviate residual soreness once the charley horse has passed.
Over-the-counter pain medications may also soothe lingering pain. For recurrent charley horses, a doctor may prescribe antispasmodic medications.8‘Charley Horse : MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002066.htm. Surgeries are reserved for severe cases that don't respond to conservative measures.
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