“Charlie Horse”
A term generally believed to be from American Baseball slang. Charley “Old Hoss” Radbourn (1853-1897) was rounding third base, developed a cramp, as he limped home was asked, “What’s the matter,Charley Hoss?” and he replied; “My leg is tied up in knots!”
• The name has since stuck!
• This fun fact tracked down from: Runner’s World.com
Anatomy of Muscle Cramps:
• Sustained involuntary muscle spasms.
• “True cramps” are the most common type of cramp
• “True Cramps” are caused by hyper-excitability of the nerves that stimulate skeletal muscles.
Skeletal Muscle:
• The tissue responsible for voluntary body movements
• Has an abundant supply of blood vessels and nerves
• Require nerve stimulation to function
• Primary Function is “contraction”
Potential Causes of “True” Muscle Cramps Include:
• Injuries
• Vigorous Activity
• Night Cramps (many questions exist to why one may get cramps at night)
• Dehydration
• Shifts in Body Fluid
• Low blood calcium or magnesium
• Low potassium (may be associated with weak muscles)
Prevention of:
#1 cited way to prevent “true cramps” :Avoid Dehydration
One more reason to drink up during and after a day of sailing, playing in the snow . . .a hike with the dog.
