Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Charley Horse
May 13, 2020
Ever been jolted awake by a sudden leg cramp? Discover the humor and mystery behind charley horses, named after a drunken baseball player. Uncover the origins of the term and hear funny personal stories that bring nostalgia to life. Dive into tips for preventing these pesky cramps, like the importance of hydration and a mineral-rich diet. Want to banish those leg cramps for good? Stretching might just be the answer!
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Chuck's Charley Horse
- Chuck experienced a charley horse while recording a previous podcast episode.
- The unexpected cramp was so memorable they kept it in the episode.
Charley Horse Origins
- The term "charley horse" likely originated in American baseball in the late 1800s.
- One theory suggests it's named after a lame horse that pulled the field roller; another, after pitcher Charlie "Old Hoss" Radbourn.
Charley Horse Causes
- Charley horses can result from a direct blow to the leg muscle.
- More commonly, they arise spontaneously, often in the thigh, calf, or hamstring.