causes for charley horses
1 Low levels of minerals, such as sodium, magnesium or potassium, in the body can be one of the reasons for Charlie horses. 2  Deficiency of calcium in pregnant women can also be another reason for the onset of Charley horse.  Low level of liquids in the body, while exercising, might be a probable cause of Charley horse.
Certain medications can also cause Charley horse as a result of their side effects. Drugs such as statins or medicines prescribed for lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, diuretics, asthma medicines like terbutaline and salbutamol, morphine and lithium can trigger muscle spasms.
1 In most of the cases, Charlie horses are the late responses of overstraining a muscle during exercise, or otherwise. 2  Charley horse might be the result of an electrolyte or mineral imbalance in the body.  In some of the cases, Charlie horses have been found to be a signal of the onset of a vascular disease.
Performing one or several stretches which elongate the muscles in the affected area should help to provide quick relief. Stand up straight, and then get into a lunging position, with your back leg being the one experiencing the charley horse. Straighten out your back leg while keeping your front leg bent.
Use a little ice. To calm down the muscle spasms, use an ice pack or cool compress on the area youâre experiencing the charley horse. Never apply ice directly, but wrap it in a towel or bandage before placing it on your skin. Do this for 5-15 minutes for the best results.