Charley horse is just another name for an incredibly uncomfortable muscle contraction or spasm. While this painful contraction can occur in any muscle in the body, a charley horse is more specific to muscles in the legs.

The exact origin of the term “charley horse” is not known but was used as far back as the 1880s to describe a leg cramp common to baseball players.

What causes a charley horse?

Are you a runner or do you frequently play sports like tennis, squash, or basketball? Do you often deal with an injury from your activity, or do you just want to learn more about how to prevent injury while being as active as possible? These exercises will help improve your stability and strength which are key to avoiding, preventing and managing injuries to the knee, hip, ankle or back as a result of recreational activity or a competitive sport.