Muscle cramps, often called “charley horses,” are sudden, involuntary contractions that can cause intense pain. They most commonly affect the legs, particularly the calves, and they frequently occur at night, sometimes waking you from a deep sleep.
Although most muscle cramps are temporary and harmless, frequent, severe, or unexplained cramps can sometimes be associated with medications, nerve problems, circulation issues, or other health conditions.
Understanding why cramps happen—and knowing what to do when one strikes—can help you manage them and potentially reduce how often they occur.
What Are Charley Horses?
A “charley horse” is a common term for a sudden, involuntary muscle spasm. During a cramp, the affected muscle contracts tightly and may feel hard or knotted.
Leg cramps are especially common in the calf muscles, but they can also affect the thighs, feet, hands, or other muscle groups.
A cramp may last only a few seconds or several minutes. Afterward, the muscle can remain tender or sore for hours.
Nighttime cramps can be particularly frustrating because they may suddenly wake you from sleep.
“I would wake up in the middle of the night, clutching my leg in pain.”
For people who experience cramps regularly, the problem can go beyond temporary pain. Repeated episodes can interfere with sleep, exercise, and everyday activities.
What Causes Muscle Cramps?…
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