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What is a Charley Horse? Muscle Cramps Explained

A charley horse can ruin an excellent workout. Medical News Today provided a list of both causes and treatments for this excruciating cramp. The charley horse is much more than your run of the mill cramp, "a charley horse suddenly happens as an uncontrollable spasm. The spasm is often brief, but can last up to several minutes, though no more than 10 minutes for most people...the cramps can be severely painful and leave some muscle pain for days."

Some people are predisposed to charley horses but there are precautions you can take to reduce your susceptibility to these debilitating cramps. One area to consider addressing is your magnesium intake. Magnesium is necessary for activating muscles and nerves. By some estimates, up to 80 percent of Americans are deficient in this crucial mineral. Muscle contractions, cramps and the always painful charley horse may be a sign that you are magnesium deficient.