Intruder Alert: The Charley Horse

It is never fun getting a cramp in your sleep. I have had the experience on several occasions and even had the luxury of having a cramp occur in both legs at the same time. You can better believe it was not fun having to first be awakened in pain and then try to be conscious enough to try and figure out how to alleviae the pain. When I have experienced this wonderful episode, I recall just tensing up, holding my breath and praying the pain go away. Well, as anyone who has experienced a "charley horse" knows, tensing the body doesn't make the pain go away, just intensify. I mean who is "Charely" anyway, and why cause such havoc on my calves? According to www.wordorigin.org, the term "charley horse" was coined back in 1986 as a baseball jargon meaning a cramp or pulled muscle in the leg. However, it is not known why it was given the name Charley. Despite having the experience, I have learned that there are ways to alleviate this intruder, and it just takes some tenacity to remain calm even while in pain.

Although pain does not feel good, that does not mean you have to surrender to it's will.

The body naturally responds when something is wrong, and remaining calm and breathing is key to helping the body recover when necessary; even if it hurts. It is, I would say, mind over matter. It's about taking control and not allowing the discomfort to have control. So, here are some steps you can take to help if ever "Charley" comes to visit:

1. Remain calm and breathe in through nose, out through the mouth
2. While doing step 1, slowly flex foot (performing opposite motion of the muscle)
3. Once spasm has stopped, slowly get up and walk around room or back and forth
4. Wet a towel or cloth with hot water & place on area for about 2-3 Mins (helps relax muscle)
5. Sit with leg on bed (relaxed) and softly massage area

These steps will assist with the leg feel better and allow slumber to return. There may be some soreness the next day or two, but it should improve with each day. Repeat steps 3-5 as necessary if spasm returns. Staying hydrated is also helpful and beneficial to the muscle tissue. The stretch and massage helps to lengthen the muscle tissue and return it to a more pliable state. Moist heat penetrates much deeper than the surface of the skin which helps to attack all the muscle fibers and relax them. Breathe, breathe, breathe, beacuse that helps the heart pump the oxygenated blood to the body and hence, address the needs of the muscle spasm. 

Every body is different, but good old "Charley" doesn't discriminate who he will awaken out of their sleep. At least now, you have a plan of attach if he decides to say hello to your calves in the wee hours of the night.