“Charley horse” cramping comes on suddenly in toes, forefoot, arch, or calves. Although it is common for the cramping to wake one up during sleep, it can occur any time. With lengthening of the muscle involved in the cramp, the muscle(s) will relax and the cramping subside, although there may be residual pain after the cramping has stopped.
The cramping tends to occur multiple times over a period of time vs. one time only. The cramping either runs it course and stops entirely or a diagnosis made with treatment that resolves the episodes.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Charley horse
- #@#$*****!!!
Symptoms:
- Sudden and extreme tightening of muscles in the affected area
- Commonly occurs during sleep and is significant enough to wake one up in extreme distress
Signs to look for:
- Sudden and extreme tightening of muscles in the affected area
Possible Causes:
- Dehydration is most common cause
- Abnormal mineral or hormone levels
- Diabetes or circulatory problems
- Overuse (buildup of lactic acid in the muscle)
- Overstretching during sleep
- Medication related
Goals:
- Determine if dehydration is involved
- Restore systemic deficiencies
- Prevent overuse
- Correct medication use if that is one of the causes
- Footwear that will not cause ankle and calf muscle shortening
- Bedtime practices for relaxing muscles
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotic exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotic exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Smart footwear such as heel to toe rockers, negative heel shoes or shoes with titanium springs
- If regular flip-flop wearer, wear only the Orthaheel, Aetrex or Alegria brand
Other:
- Medical treatment and medication review as appropriate
- For OTC supplements: Calcium (500mg)/Magnesium (250mg) taken after dinner. If that doesn’t work, drink 8 oz. of vegetable juice a day (such as V8)
Activities:
- Attention to adequate water intake
- Before bed, soak feet/legs in warm water or use heating pad and sleep with feet propped up slightly (a pillow at the end of the bed is sufficient height)
- If a circulatory problem is involved and physician agrees, wearing compression hose to bed can help
- Rotate weight bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Text: G. Copeland, DPM, The Foot Book, jrussellshealth.com, Bottom Line’s 2008 Health Breakthroughs