Question:
What exactly causes Charlie Horses?

I've been cramping up like crazy last week or so. Not only my calves and arches, but my fingers and hands also. I've started taking a potassium sup about 4 days ago,yet still cramping. I get plenty of fluid (mostly Crystal light these days) and don't go nutso with the salt. I take calcium citrate 2 X a day, so it seems like electrolites should be ok (guess not!??). I'll be heading to my doctor's in a few weeks, but I would like to try to figure this out before I go away for a week in about a week, if I can. I do not have a good relationship with my surgeon and haven't seen him in over a year. I work through post op issues with my primary, who is willing but not always knowlegable. Any heads up would be appreciated, as to what I should ask her to look for. I restarted prevacid 30 mg about a month ago (acid situation is now under control)...that is the only real difference to my regime that I can think of. Thanks again folks! -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 282/129/125    — KimBo36 (posted on April 24, 2003)

April 23, 2003
From Medline Plus: Definition: A charley horse is the common name for a muscle spasm, particularly in the leg. Muscle spasms can occur in any muscle in the body. When a muscle is in spasm, it contracts involuntarily and does not relax. Causes, incidence, and risk factors:Muscle spasms commonly occur when a muscle is over-used or injured. Working out when dehydrated or with low levels of potassium can also predispose to muscle spasms. Some spasms are caused when the nerve that connects to a muscle is irritated. The classic example of this would be a herniated disk irritating spinal nerves as they exit the back causing pain and spasm. Spasms in the calf are common while kicking during swimming and can also occur at night while in bed. Upper leg spasms are more common with running or jumping activities. Spasm in the cervical spine (neck) can be a sign of stress. Symptoms:When a muscle goes into spasm it feels very tight and is sometimes described as a knot. Pain can be acute and debilitating depending on the severity and location of the spasm. Back spasms are notoriously painful but even leg cramps can sometimes reduce men to tears. Signs and tests:Muscle spasms are diagnosed by the presence of tight or hard muscles that are very tender to the touch. There are no imaging studies or blood tests that can diagnose this condition. If the spasm is caused by nerve irritation, such as in the back, an MRI may be helpful to determine the cause of the irritation.Treatment:At the first sign of a muscle spasm, stop your activity and try stretching and massaging the affected muscle. Heat will relax the muscle at first, although ice may be helpful after the initial spasm and pain has improved. If the muscle continues to be sore, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may help with pain. In more severe cases, your health care provider may prescribe anti-spasm medications.After initial treatment, the cause of the spasm should be determined to prevent it from recurring. If an irritated nerve is involved, physical therapy or even surgery may be necessary.Expectations (prognosis):Muscle spasms will resolve with rest and time and the prognosis is excellent for the vast majority of people. Instituting proper training techniques should prevent spasms from becoming a chronic problem. If an irritated nerve caused the spasm, then more extensive treatment may be required and results are more variable.Calling your health care provider:If you have a severe muscle spasm with uncontrollable pain, contact your health care provider for assistance. Even if your spasms are not severe, your health care provider can help you modify your exercise program to reduce the risk of spasms occurring in the future. Prevention:Stretch to improve flexibility. Modify your workouts to exercise within your capabilities.Drink plenty of fluids while exercising and increase your potassium intake (orange juice and bananas are great sources of potassium). ..........Good Luck! (Web-Dr.Amy)
   — Amy A.

April 23, 2003
I am pretty sure that leg cramps can also be a sign of potassium deficiency. My dad has this problem. I would ask your doctor about it and make sure that your levels are good. It is common in people who take blood pressure meds.
   — Carol S.

April 23, 2003
You should call your PCP ASAP. Its probably nothing, but better safe than sorry.
   — bob-haller

April 24, 2003
With only 2 Calcium a day, it could well be calcium issues. I wouldn't wait for a few months, but have labs run ASAP. If the protein goes down, the calcium goes, the iron goes, the potassium goes, etc & more etc. It's all a house of cards. Pull one out anywhere & they all start to topple. Potassium affects your HEART, so there's way more to it than just cramping.
   — vitalady

April 24, 2003
Charlie horses or cramping is a likely symptom of low magnisium levels. This is according to a chiropractor I have talked to before about this very same issue. I took a mag. supplement and they stopped after just a week or two. Hope this helps.
   — Kathy C.

April 24, 2003
I remember when I was first put on blood pressure pills, I had muscle spasms and cramps like crazy! In my calves and sides..it was horrible. It was low potassium and I tried drinking orange juice and eating banana's, but the doctor said that was not enough and it wasn't. I had to be put on potassium supplements. I would of course check with the doctor, but I would think low potassium is what's causing your problems.
   — Lisa N M.

April 24, 2003
Muscle cramps can be caused by something as benign as low sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus or indicative of kidney or liver issues. Definitely something to discuss with your doctor at length.
   — [Deactivated Member]