Charley

Horse
By: DaShana Gordon

Overview
The word Charley horse is a common word for muscle spasm or
cramp. A charley horse can occur in any part of the body, but it often
happens in the leg. When your muscle is in spasm it contracts without
your control and it doesnt relax.

When a muscle goes into spasm it feels very tight. It is sometimes

Symptoms/Diagnosis
described as a knot. The pain can be severe.
Diagnosis- The occasional charley horse doesnt require an official
medical diagnosis. However, your doctor should investigate frequent,
recurrent muscle spasms. A diagnosis is generally obtained through a
physical examination, Such as MRI scans.

Treatment

Drinking water or anything with electrolytes can help ease cramps due
to dehydration. Simple stretches and massages can help relax the
muscle and stop it from contracting. Heating pads can accelerate the
relaxation process also.

Drink Plenty of fluids,while exercising and increase your potassium

Prevention
intake. Orange juice and bananas are great sources of potassium

Stretch to improve your flexibility.

Function Disruption

Any of your muscles can be affected, Your muscles tighten up and the
Causes include myosin fibers not being able to break free from the
actin filaments during contraction, resulting in a prolonged contraction.

Citations

"Charley Horse." Healthline. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.

"Charley Horse, Spasming, Knotting Leg Muscle Cramp." WebMD.

WebMD, n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.

"Muscles+tighten+up - Google Search." Muscles+tighten+up - Google

Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.