‘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 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:
Abnormal mineral or hormone levels
Diabetes or circulatory problems
Overuse (buildup of lactic acid in the muscle)
Overstretching during sleep
Dehydration
Medication related
Goals:
Restore flexibility to feet and legs
Restore systemic deficiencies
Prevent overuse
Correct medication use if that is one of the causes
Determine if dehydration is involved
Footwear that will not cause ankle and calf muscle shortening
Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support,
such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes
cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support
Shoes:
Extra depth shoes with firm heel counter and flat heel (high heels
will cause and/or aggravate this condition)
Medical treatment and medication review as appropriate
Take calcium (500 mg) with magnesium (250 mg) at night after dinner.
If that doesn’t work, drink 8 oz vegetable juice (such as V8)
a day
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 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 Carole
Romig
Sources Image: Text: G. Copeland, DPM, The Foot Book, jrussellshealth.com,Bottom
Line’s Health Breakthroughs 20008
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