Charley Horse Definition, Causes and More
Article Sources
- 1. 'Muscle Cramps - OrthoInfo - AAOS.' OrthoInfo, orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/muscle-cramps.
- 2. 'Muscle Cramps.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21190-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.
Preventing Charley Horses
Although there's no foolproof way to prevent charley horses, keeping fit, maintaining a healthy weight, performing flexibility exercises and stretching regularly can be helpful. It's also wise to avoid exercising when the weather is hot. Drinking plenty of fluids and electrolyte replacement help prevent muscle spasms due to dehydration.5‘Muscle Spasms (Muscle Cramps): Causes, Pain Relief & Treatment.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15466-muscle-spasms.
Avoiding smoking and consumption of alcohol and caffeine may help keep charley horses at bay. It's also a good idea to avoid medications that may make muscle spasms more likely to occur.9Muscle 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.
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