Why do people get charley horses?

You’re in a deep sleep, and all of a sudden, you feel a sudden, sharp pain in your leg. People who have lived through this common scenario have likely experienced a charley horse. 

A charley horse is the common name given to a muscle spasm or cramp, and this problem can occur in just about any muscle in your body. However, a common location for charley horses is in the leg muscles. 

Wondering why people get charley horses? There are many reasons people develop this common muscle condition. A physical therapist can help you learn the common causes of charley horses, which one is causing your muscle spasms, and ways you can address your spasms. 

Why do people get charley horses in the first place?

Figuring out why you get charley horses is the first step toward treating them effectively. Your physical therapist can help you learn about common muscle cramp causes, such as: 

1. Muscle overuse — Many people like to push their limits when exercising, but doing so can lead to many issues. For instance, muscle overuse is one of the most common causes of charley horses. 

2. Lack of stretching — Not stretching when you exercise can leave your muscles tight. Tight muscles are more likely to develop muscle spasms. 

3. Mineral deficiencies — Your muscles require many minerals to function properly. Some of these minerals include sodium, calcium and potassium. Low levels of these minerals can be a trigger for painful charley horses. 

4. Dehydration — Water is also an important element in muscle health and movement. Dehydration makes it harder for your muscles to move normally, and a water deficiency can leave you open to more muscle cramps. 

Figure out why you get charley horses and what you can do about them with help from Back in Motion

Are you frequently developing charley horses in your leg muscles? Our team at Back in Motion Physical Therapy can help you determine why you’re having these painful spasms. We can start by doing a free screening of your legs that includes questions about your stretching habits, daily water intake and more. Next, our team of PT experts can build you a physical therapy plan that’s designed to fit the specific cause of your muscle cramps. We can even work with you right in your home if you sign up for an at-home care or virtual physical therapy session with us. 

Contact us today for more information about the many leg issues we can help you address or to schedule an initial appointment to start treating your chronic muscle spasms.