(HealthDay News) -- "Charley horse" is another name for a muscle spasm or cramp of the leg. When a muscle cramps, it contracts involuntarily and does not relax.
To treat a charley horse, MedlinePlus suggests:
- Stop activity. Try stretching and massaging the muscle.
- Use heat to relax the muscle initially, then ice after.
- If the muscle is still sore, use anti-inflammatory medicine to ease the pain.
After treatment, MedlinePlus recommends speaking with your doctor to help prevent the cramp from coming back.
