Charley Horse Signs, Causes, and Its Treatment in Ayurveda
Abstract
Our body is surrounded by muscles. A human body has 639 muscles which perform different functions. Charley horse is a very common condition and is not harmful, but can be very painful at times. Usually it occurs at night and during exercise. It can occur anywhere but more commonly affect the calf muscle, legs and feet. Calf muscle is situated at the back of the lower leg, It can occur in both the genders equally irrespective of the age. Also it occurs frequently in older people above the age 60. In this article we will discuss its causes, symptoms, How to prevent it and Ayurvedic as well as modern treatment.
Introduction
Charley horse is a sudden muscle spasm, the exact cause is unknown but can be triggered by various factors. It can last from a few seconds to a day. This might occur due to improper contraction or the sudden involuntary contraction of muscles in which muscles do not relax as it should. In this the muscle fibers get sored, stiff and painful. It is a self limiting and self diagnosable disease which can be prevented easily. This condition can be really uncomfortable at times and may hamper your daily activities. Excessive exertion on muscles either by exercise or any other factors may also induce Charley horse.
Causes
The exact cause is unknown but some of them are follows
- Infection
- Overexertion of muscle
- Medicine’s side effect
- Dehydration
- Injury to the nerves
- Ischemia (Inadequate blood flow)
- Pregnancy
- Lack of Calcium, Potassium and Magnesium
- Excessive exercise
- Stress
- Standing for long
- Sitting for too long
- Improper stretching
- Hormonal imbalance
Sign and Symptoms
- Pain which might be sharp
- Tenderness
- Cramps in legs
- Spasms in muscles
- Tightening of the muscle
- Lump underneath the skin which may appear like a knot
- Numbness
- Episodes may be frequent or recurring
Prevention
- Proper nutrition
- Hydration
- Stretching
- Mild exercise
Diagnosis
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Blood culture
- MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)
- USG (Ultrasonography)
Management
As Per Modern
Maximum cases are minor and can be left untreated or can be treated by home remedies, for moderate to severe cases following management can be done.
- Proper nutrition
- Analgesics
- Antispasmodics
- Physiotherapy
- Massage
- Anti inflammatory
- Warm compress or cold compress
As Per Ayurvedic Overview
Ayurveda is a natural healing science that deals with holistic healing, it mainly focuses on dosha and dhatu avastha. The main aim of ayurveda is to maintain the health of a healthy person, and to treat a diseased person. According to ayurveda, there is VataKapha dosha predominance in this condition along with mamsa dhatu dushti, it can be counted as mamsa gat vata due to muscular contractions. Muscles are an important part of the body which do require proper nutrition, strength to function.
Diagnosis
It can be diagnosed with the help of trividha pariksha that is
- Darshana means by seeing or the Direct perception.
- Prashana means by Questioning
- Sparshana means by touching or the Touch perception.
Management
Diet
A diet full of nutrition with fresh fruits and vegetables should be taken. Take a good amount of protein, fiber and carbohydrates. Avoid oily, spicy food.
Therapies
Abhyanga (Massage), Snehana (oleation), swedana (Sudation) to ease the pain and stiffness.
Herbs
There are various Ayurvedic herbs which can manage this condition very effectively such as Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), shunthi (Zingiber officinalis), Bala (Sida cordifolia) etc.
Guggulu (Commiphora mukul)
It has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory property. It improves Metabolism, removes toxins from the body and maintains overall health.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is full of benefits, it provides strength to the whole body, maintains a healthy reproductive system and nourishes all the dhatus.
Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)
This herb also acts as a painkiller, it is considered as the best anti-inflammatory, relieves the tightness or stiffness of the body.
Bala (Sida cordifolia)
Bala herb is considered as “Balya” according to charaka samhita as it provides strength to the body and maintains overall health of the person.
Herbal Remedies for Charley Horse by Planet Ayurveda
Planet ayurveda is an ayurvedic company which does holistic healing and is spread worldwide. It has a manufacturing unit which manufactures different ayurvedic products which are classical as well as patent. It treats all types of diseases with the help of herbal remedies and diet. The products manufactured are natural, pure and safe for consumption and are in various forms such as capsules, tablets, powders, cosmetics, herbal teas and health care packs.
Product List
- Boswellia Curcumin
- Daily Essentials
- Ashwagandha capsule
- Massage with warm Dhanwantharam Tailam
Product Description
1. Boswellia Curcumin
This is one of the patent ayurvedic medicines by planet ayurveda in capsule form, it consists of two herbs Haridra (Curcuma longa) and Shallaki (Boswellia serrata). This combination helps in reducing pain and swelling. These herbs are considered as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It balances the vata dosha and relieves stiffness, supports joint health and maintains overall health.
DOSAGE- Take 1 capsule two times a day.
2. Daily Essentials
Daily essential is an ayurvedic preparation which is manufactured by planet ayurveda in capsule form, it includes herbs like Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Green tea (Camellia sinensis), Grape seed (Vitis vinifera) etc. This herbal combination acts as antioxidant, aids digestion, increases immune function, reduces nerve weakness, memory loss and maintains the health of a person.
DOSAGE- Take 1 capsule two times a day.
3. Ashwagandha Capsule
Ashwagandha is an ancient ayurvedic herb. It is manufactured in the form of capsules by planet ayurveda. It’s a single herb formulation consisting of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha decreases Vata and Kapha dosha. It provides strength to the body and the muscles, it relieves stress and anxiety, Improves fertility and heart health.
DOSAGE- Take 1 capsule twice a day after meals.
4. Dhanwantharam Tailam
It is a classical ayurvedic product which is also manufactured by planet ayurveda, It is a herbal oil which consists of various herbs such as Balamoola (Sida cordifolia), Brihati (Solanum indicum), Gambhari (Gmelina arborea), Water, Prishnaparni (Uraria picta) etc. It is useful in neurological conditions, it pacifies vata and kapha dosha, Strengthens the muscles and joints. It works as an analgesic (Pain relief) and effective in rheumatoid arthritis.
METHOD- Massage the warm oil over the affected area.
Conclusion
Charley horse is a painful condition yet it is harmless and can be said as leg cramp. It can be managed at home, or sometimes doesn’t even need any treatment but may require treatment if it persists or is very painful, for that you can identify the cause and treat it accordingly with the help of herbal remedies which are made up of herbs and also can prevent it. You can find the herbal remedies at www.planetayurved.com
