Health Topics for Sports Medicine

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

UI Family Care

Charley horse: muscle cramps

A muscle cramp is often called a charley horse. It is an uncontrolled contraction of the muscle and may produce intense pain. Muscle cramps can develop in any muscle in the body although they most often occur in the calf or foot. Muscle cramps usually happen while lying in bed or playing sports or exercising. Overuse, injury, muscle strain, or staying in the same position for a long time can produce cramping.

Night time calf cramps usually strike a person when in bed. It is possible that the day's activities such as a tough workout, wearing high heels, or taking some drugs, such as diuretics, may spark the cramp. Pointing the toes sharply can instantly cause cramping.

Cramps during exercise can be prompted by a number of factors. Dehydration or sweating too much can create an imbalance of potassium and sodium in the blood. Overexertion or muscle fatigue are also common causes.

For relief of a muscle cramp try any of the following:

• stretch the muscle (For example, if the calf muscle is cramped, straighten the leg and pull the toes upward toward the front of the knee.)
• massage the muscle to relax it
• apply a cold pack to reduce the blood flow and relax the muscle
• take a hot bath or
• use a heating pad

To prevent muscle cramps:

• do stretching exercises before and after workouts
• stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• drink water or a sports drink if the cramp attacks during a workout
• do not over-fatigue muscles and
• do not point your toes while stretching or sleeping

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File SPOR3206.rf2 VRS# 7418 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.