Leg cramps, or Charlie horse, is a common condition. It can affect the feet, thighs, and calves. But when should you see a doctor for Charlie horse in Maryland? While some cramps are normal, others may be severe and cause a disruption to your life. Here’s what you need to know.
A Charlie horse is an involuntary contraction of the muscle, which causes pain and tenderness in the affected area. This cramp may last a few seconds, or even a few minutes. However, the tenderness can remail for several hours.
Often, this happens when a person is sleeping or resting. While its usually harmless, it may be linked to underlying conditions like vascular disease or diabetes.
During a Charlie horse, you may experience a sudden, shooting pain and feel a knot in the muscle tissue in the affected area. The muscle may be tight and painful. This episode may last a few seconds or up to ten minutes. Charlie horse is more common in the calf muscles but can also happen in the thighs and feet.
While leg cramps aren’t linked to a single cause, there are some factors that significantly contributes to leg cramps. These include:
Other causes include medical conditions such as neurological disorders, pregnancy, bacterial infections, metabolic conditions, heart conditions, kidney/liver conditions and neurodegenerative diseases.
There are a few things that doctors can do to help you manage and prevent Charlie horse cramps. From exercise and stretching to medications and more. Contact The Vein Center of Maryland to learn more.