🦵💥 What Is a “Charley Horse” — and Why Does It Hurt So Bad?
- ACHIEVE AT HOME PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
- Jan 4
- 2 min read
Ever been stopped in your tracks by a sudden, intense muscle cramp? That painful spasm is commonly called a charley horse — and medically, it’s an involuntary muscle contraction, most often affecting the calf, hamstring, or foot.
🔬 What’s happening medically?
A charley horse occurs when a muscle suddenly tightens and can’t relax, often due to disrupted nerve signals or muscle fatigue. The result? Sharp pain, tightness, and sometimes lingering soreness afterward.
❓ Why Do Charley Horses Happen?
Common causes include:
* 💧 Dehydration
* ⚡ Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium, magnesium, calcium)
* 🦵 Muscle fatigue or overuse
* 🧍♂️ Prolonged sitting or standing
* 🛏️ Poor sleeping positions
* 👟 Inadequate footwear or lack of support
* 🩺 Underlying conditions (circulation issues, nerve irritation)
👥 Who Is More Prone?
Charley horses are especially common in:
✔️ Older adults
✔️ People with limited mobility
✔️ Athletes or very active individuals
✔️ Those with balance, circulation, or neurological conditions
✔️ Individuals recovering from injury or surgery
🏠 How In-Home PT & OT Can Help
At Achieve at Home Physical & Occupational Therapy, we don’t just treat the cramp — we address the root cause.
Our in-home care can help by:
🤲 Performing hands-on manual therapy to relieve tight muscles
🧠 Improving neuromuscular control
🧘♀️ Teaching targeted stretching & strengthening
⚖️ Addressing balance, posture, and movement patterns
🛑 Reducing recurrence & preventing future cramps
🏡 All in the comfort and safety of your home
✨ If charley horses are disrupting your sleep, mobility, or daily life — you don’t have to live with it.
📞 NY: (516) 500-8998
📞 CT: (475) 454-4455
📧 Email: info@achieveathometherapy.com
🌐 Website: www.achieveathometherapy.com
✅ Traditional Medicare & most Medicare Advantage plans accepted
💬 Have you ever woken up with a charley horse? Tell us where you feel it most — calves, feet, or thighs?
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