charlie horses
Sudden muscle contractions
Charlie horses are painful involuntary muscle cramps, typically in the leg.
The calf is the most common site, often striking during sleep or exercise.
The term is informal and predominantly American: I woke up with a charlie horse in my calf.
Also spelled as one word or with a capital C.
- crampPainful muscle seizure
- leg crampInvoluntary muscle contraction
- involuntaryNot under conscious control
- calfJuvenile cow or leg part
- calf muscleRear lower leg muscle
spasm · seize up · tightness · muscle knot · thigh · stretching · pain · shooting pain · hydration · lactic acid · legs · spasticity · electrolyte imbalance · contraction · cold packs · muscle fibers · skeletal muscles · immobility
horse, horses, horsed, horsing, horsey, horsy, horseman, horsemen, horsewoman