A charley horse is a sudden muscle cramp - usually the calf at night - fed by overuse, dehydration, low minerals like potassium or calcium, and some medicines like statins or diuretics.
The NHS says they are common and usually harmless. Stretching and standing on the leg end them faster. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you find your pattern.
What to do
Common questions
Why do I get charley horses?
A charley horse is a muscle cramp: the muscle - usually the calf - suddenly tightens into a hard, painful knot you cannot ignore. The NHS says leg cramps are common, usually harmless, last from a few seconds to 10 minutes, and most people get them at night or when resting - which is why they ambush you in bed. The muscle can feel sore for up to 24 hours afterwards. Why they come: MedlinePlus names overused or injured muscles, working out while short on fluids, and low levels of minerals like sodium, potassium, or calcium. The NHS adds some medicines - statins and diuretics are on the list - pregnancy, and liver disease from too much alcohol, while many cramps have no clear cause at all. During a cramp: stretch and massage the muscle, or stand up and put weight on the leg - the NHS says both ease it, though most cramps stop on their own. For a calf cramp, pull your toes up toward your shin and hold. Prevention is the real win if they keep coming: drink enough through the day (especially around exercise), stretch your calves before bed, and replace salts sensibly if you sweat a lot. Worth a GP conversation: cramps that keep coming despite hydration and stretching, cramps with swelling or redness in one leg, or cramps that started alongside a new medicine - a review of the prescription may fix it. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you find your pattern.