Hamstring cramps

Deisetrek

Hello all,
Anybody here ever suffer from cramps in the hamstring area of your legs . Yesterday about 2 km from Dungarvan (and having completed 158 km ) , both legs locked up with cramp . Now , thing is I was'nt overly tired or anything , and I certainly wasn't dehydated , so why after all the hard work was done did this happen to me on the closing stretch (flat) into Dungarvan ?
It surely wasn't a fitness issue 'cause I do good milage all year round and even felt I had plenty in the tank if needed be yesterday , but this has happened to me twice in the last 2 weeks . Is there any energy bar / drink that specialises in cramp prevention ? Advice appreciated .Thanks

CheGuedara

I've found those Nuun electrolyte tabs to be pretty good at staving off cramps in the past

Nietzschean

the nuun's failed me miserably yesterday..though normally I find them pretty good...
had to stop twice on powers pot and 3 times on mahon falls to stretch out cramps

CheGuedara

Nietzschean wrote: »

the nuun's failed me miserably yesterday..though normally I find them pretty good...
had to stop twice on powers pot and 3 times on mahon falls to stretch out cramps

Ouch, ya didn't need that (3 time on Mahon: that's a f*ckin pain in the ass nobody needs!) - that said I've club mates that have also found them a wee bit hit & miss time to time - could be a product that needs to be tried to see if works for each person I guess

Ryder

Used to develop agonising cramps at night until i added a pinch of salt to my water bottle. None since. Some of the sports drinks may not contain enough and anyway are very expensive

smithslist

Deisetrek wrote: »

Now , thing is I was'nt overly tired or anything , and I certainly wasn't dehydated , so why after all the hard work was done

I suffered alot this year with symptoms similar but was my calf muscles, you may not notice it but you may be doing to much over the last few weeks\months and its being building up and not giving it enough rest? Your diet is another factor, not enough salts etc. Have you tried getting it treated (massages - I found this helped alot), if ur in a club then they should\would know someone who u could get do it for a discount price.

Quigs Snr

Cramping the the hamstrings could be as simple as a saddle raised a couple of mm too high. Thats what it was for me anyway.

Deisetrek

Thanks for the replies lads , will try out a few of the things advised including the Nuun tablets

Bikerbhoy

If you buy sport nutrition drinks may I suggest High 5 Xtreme Energy Source it contains an anti cramp magnesium additive and since changing to this, have been to date..... cramp free.
My ride routine as it was yesterday on the 160 km was 2 x 750 ml of High 5 , drink first bottle as normal subsequent bottles I think I used 3 were just water and Nuun tabs and then about 50 K or so from home started on 2nd High 5 bottle..... worked like a dream.

Sorry neglected to say I drank a full 750ml at brekkie too OR normally an hour or two before each ride.

Magnesium supplement tabs would do you no harm either out of you local health food store.

Bikerbhoy

Quigs Snr wrote: »

Cramping the the hamstrings could be as simple as a saddle raised a couple of mm too high. Thats what it was for me anyway.

Do you think the above would help with cramping of the quads also ???

jwshooter

Bikerbhoy wrote: »

If you buy sport nutrition drinks may I suggest High 5 Xtreme Energy Source it contains an anti cramp magnesium additive and since changing to this, have been to date..... cramp free.
My ride routine as it was yesterday on the 160 km was 2 x 750 ml of High 5 , drink first bottle as normal subsequent bottles I think I used 3 were just water and Nuun tabs and then about 50 K or so from home started on 2nd High 5 bottle..... worked like a dream.

Sorry neglected to say I drank a full 750ml at brekkie too OR normally an hour or two before each ride.

Magnesium supplement tabs would do you no harm either out of you local health food store.

i also find it very good.

victorcarrera

A pinch of salt in the bottle has worked for me too.
On the downhills or when coasting in the group try to stretch them out a little by pushing down on the heel when the leg is straight.
Occasionally selecting a higher gear and getting out of the saddle for 20 or so revs can help also.
Unlikely (yesterday) I know, but are you wearing too many layers and sweating excessively?

uberwolf

separate to this somewhat, but I found myself developing a pain in the left hamstring in races - 2hrs or more in. Never in training.

Physio diagnosed a tight back, nerve being trapped. Training allowed me more movement between positions and was more relaxed.

Lesson for me was to always consider the less obvious explanation, and to take a more holistic view of what the body is telling you. And if it persists, go to a pro!

Lumen

Bikerbhoy wrote: »

Do you think the above would help with cramping of the quads also ???

That might be eased by shifting the saddle back and down a fraction (to unload your quads). Or not.

FWIW, Steve Hogg (who recommends more rearward seating position than others) says that you should not experience any localised quad soreness (e.g. trouble walking up stairs) after a tough cycle. But others disagree.

doozerie

Another factor is your general hamstring flexibility. If you stretch well after every training/racing session then your basic hamstring flexibility should be good and you'll be less prone to cramps. If you don't stretch regularly then your hamstring flexibility could be poor, making you far more prone to both cramp and injury/tears.

For some odd reason, stretching doesn't seem to be promoted as much in cycling as it is in other sports.