cure for cramps

feichin

Is there anyone out there that can offer a 49 yr old "geriatric newbie" some advice on how to avoid calf cramps when running. I assume stretching is no 1 but are there any other methods or remedies that could help when strethcing doesn't seem to work.

golden lane

feichin wrote: »

Is there anyone out there that can offer a 49 yr old "geriatric newbie" some advice on how to avoid calf cramps when running. I assume stretching is no 1 but are there any other methods or remedies that could help when strethcing doesn't seem to work.

make sure your salt intake is normal....(sweating takes salt from your body )..

and use wintergreen, liquid or cream.......

ecoli

Mod: Moved to main forum where you should get more of a response regarding this

feichin

Thanks golden lane. what is normal salt intake ???
I've been running for about 12 months and was comfortably (slowly) doing 9 -13 Km a run. My first "big race" is supposed to be Cork Half marathon on June bank holiday but when I went out last Thursday aiming for 10 miles to convince my head it was possible, I only managed 4 km before my right calf cramped up and I had a dead leg for most the w/end. Tonight was even worse, while I didn't cramp up completely like last week I could feel that's where it was going to end so I pulled up after only 2.5 km. I did have this problem in the beginning if I didn't stretch, start slow, etc but I thought I'd got past it. I'm looking for any advice or help to get going again and do my 10 miles ASAP - Thanks

Emer911

Cramps are a total B!tch. The main causes are generally put down to

• Dehydration (not taking on enough water, especially in hot conditions).
• Low potassium or sodium (salt) levels.
• Low carbohydrate levels.
• Very tight muscles.

Take a look at your diet for fluid intake, salts (electrolytes) and carbs. If you're not getting enough - or getting too much, you're leaving yourself open to cramps. There's lots of info online (try here or here for starters).

Stay hydrated, eat right, warm up, stretch and good luck!

RoverHogan

It may be a problem that has built up over time. If you haven't being doing a lot of flexibility work, you might have developed some muscle imbalance and tightness. are you calfs really tight?
You could try a sports massage (deep tissue) to see if it relieves the issue. Regular use of a foam roller is also beneficial!

Brianderunner

Calf guards are the job, get yourself a pair asap.

tunguska

Brianderunner wrote: »

Calf guards are the job, get yourself a pair asap.

Ditto for the calf guards. Compress sport are the best in my opinion. Although are you getting physio on the calfs? They may just need a good massage.

ultraman1

tonic water...wrks for me