Learn more about the causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, & prevention of Charley horses - cramps caused by muscle spasms, involuntary contractions of one or more muscles ...

What is a Charley horse? If you have ever had an incredibly painful leg cramp come on fast and furiously you have likely experienced a Charley horse. This type of muscle spasm tends to occur when ...

During a charley horse, an involuntary signal is sent to the muscle without the “proper instructions,” she says, and as a result, the muscle fibers shorten and contract too hard.

Before engaging in physical activity, ensure you warm up properly and avoid overexertion. Interestingly, the terms 'Charley Horse' and 'leg cramps' are often used interchangeably.