Why do I get charley horses?

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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.

Why do I get charley horses?

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