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.
- 3. Publishing, Harvard Health. 'Take That, Muscle Cramps!' Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/take-that-muscle-cramps.
- 4. 'Muscle Cramp.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 Mar. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscle-cramp/symptoms-causes/syc-20350820.
- 5. 'Muscle Spasms (Muscle Cramps): Causes, Pain Relief & Treatment.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15466-muscle-spasms.
- 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.
When to See a Doctor
Usually, charley horses resolve on their own or with home treatment. But medical assistance is necessary if the cramps last longer than 10 minutes, occur frequently, interfere with sleep or quality of life, or don't improve with exercise, massage and hydration.2‘Muscle Cramps.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21190-muscle-cramps.
Emergency medical care is in order if charley horses are accompanied by sudden weakness or loss of feeling or if the person has lost large quantities of bodily fluids through vomiting, diarrhea or profuse perspiration.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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