Calf Cramps

mjg

I play a lot of tennis, have done for years and have recently started cycling as I'm off the fags.

Last night during a game, my calves started to tighten-up when I was going for smashes, sprints etc. I did a few stretches but by the end of the game both calves were in an almost constant cramp. I'm sure that this is down to the cycling.

I know that a lack of water can lead to cramping, I drink all the way throught the game but last night I didn't drink a lot beforehand.

Would having plenty fluids on board along with a good stretching/warm-up routine sort this out?

De Deraco

Add a touch of Salt to the water should help... In my experiance Calves are the first thing to cramp if you havent trained in a while bu they ussually develop very quickly aswell

drdeadlift

mjg wrote: »

I play a lot of tennis, have done for years and have recently started cycling as I'm off the fags.

Last night during a game, my calves started to tighten-up when I was going for smashes, sprints etc. I did a few stretches but by the end of the game both calves were in an almost constant cramp. I'm sure that this is down to the cycling.

I know that a lack of water can lead to cramping, I drink all the way throught the game but last night I didn't drink a lot beforehand.

Would having plenty fluids on board along with a good stretching/warm-up routine sort this out?

Are you taking creatine?
A few people i have spoken to blame creatine for cramps in their hamstring/calf area when working out.But it might just be that your pins are just getting use to the new workload you have put them under.I went for a cycle out to howth the other weekend when i got back my legs were shot.

mjg

No creatine, I'm sure that it's just the extra workload and a matter of getting into a better routine of stretches etc. before and after a game or a trip on the bike.

The salt is a good idea, thanks. I may look at getting a regular leg massage too. I was actually amazed at the difference a few days of hill climbing made to my calves in particular.

Thanks for your replies lads . I had never experienced cramps like that before and just wanted to get a few opinions.

spence101

A bit of tonic water with quinine in it was reccomended to me, i used to get calf cramps and spasms in my awkward teenage years during sport. Make sure your warm up and stretches are sufficient and hydrate loads. if problem persists see the aul physiotherapist.

good luck!

Burkatron

Keeping hydrated all the time so water & then Isotonic drinks to balance your electrolytes (sugar/salt/mineral levels) help.Potassium, magnesium & calcium also help regulate muscle contraction so you need to be keeping these levels up! Multi vit/mineral tablets will help & the rest should be coming from your diet!