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Rachael M
The Master
Posts: 2299
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 # Posted: 22 May 2008 13:59


So on Tues night I went to spin class and it was particularly brutal. I felt a little weak afterwards, but not in an abnormal way. Just worked hard so I was kinda tired. I didn't feel like I drank any less water that day than normal, but I woke up at 2 am with a big time cramp in my left calf. I had to hobble around and stretch it out. I drank a big cup of water and went back to sleep.

So yesterday I drank lots (I mean, I always drink lots, but I paid attention to it and made sure I was getting enough) and I ate 2 bananas (I usually eat 1 every day).

Then last night, I went to run on the trail where I usually do. After running about 1.5 km, my feet and calves were on the verge of cramping. They were extremely tight and painful. After 2 km, I had to slow to a walk and give them a chance to loosen up. I tried running some more, but really couldn't seem to get it going again. My poor calves and feet were just in wads.

So my question is: since I'm drinking around 3 L of water a day, getting plenty of potassium and sodium, what could be causing these cramps? How can I avoid this extremely painful situation in the future? Thanks for your help!!
Cardio King
Fitness Guru
Posts: 1784
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 # Posted: 22 May 2008 14:02


Cramps are the worst! I'm anxious to see what everyone has to say about this. I have yet to find a solution to this problem. Suffice it to say, sometimes stretching just doesn't cut it!
THE NEW ME
The Master
Posts: 2856
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 # Posted: 22 May 2008 14:33


rachael- are you warming up?? sometimes if you dont do a sufficinet warmup beforehand it might happen. also, how soon before are you eating?
Stand Up Bean
Fitness Guru
Posts: 434
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 # Posted: 22 May 2008 14:36


are you recovering properly? 8-9 hours of sleep, maybe a nap occasionally? and are you getting plenty of fiber and low glycemic index carbs during the second half of your days? bananas aren't really good sources of energy, maybe a minute or two for me.
Cindy N
Fitness Guru
Posts: 733
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 # Posted: 22 May 2008 14:44


How's your sodium intake? When you're drinking that much water, you may be washing yourself out, and you actually need sodium. It does help prevent cramping (anyone remember the pickle juice drinking some athletes were doing?), and sodium and potassium are what you lose through sweating. You may also want to look at your magnesium, calcium, and B vitamin intake.
Rachael M
The Master
Posts: 2299
Post History
 # Posted: 22 May 2008 14:52


Warm up probably needs to improve. I know it's stupid, but I feel like I'm wasting exercise time when I take time to warm up.

I eat a snack usually an hour or 2 before working out. It is usually a piece of multi-grain bread with PB.

I never get 9 hours of sleep - well except on some Saturdays. I usually get around 7 during the week and very very rarely take naps. I just don't have time.

The bananas are for potassium not for energy. I guess I should step up the veggies though. There just aren't a lot of veggies that I like raw with no dressings.

I don't restrict my sodium, but I also don't count it or anything.

I take a multivitamin every day.
Rachael M
The Master
Posts: 2299
Post History
 # Posted: 22 May 2008 16:08


So this is interesting:

The exact cause of a leg cramp is not well understood, but there are some risk factors that are thought to contribute to this condition:

* Muscle fatigue
* Heavy exercising
* Dehydration
* High weight (not necessarily obesity)
* Electrolyte imbalances
* Medications (statins, prednisone, others...)

Prednisone is the steroid I took for 5 days from Thurs to Mon for the sinus infection. Hmm, maybe this will just go away on its own. That would be awesome!
THE NEW ME
The Master
Posts: 2856
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 # Posted: 22 May 2008 18:15


i hope it goes away on its own but keep on top of it!


Cardio King
Fitness Guru
Posts: 1784
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 # Posted: 22 May 2008 21:30


Wow...I never heard that medications can cause cramps...

Muy interesante
Clifford Chinn
Fitness Guru
Posts: 470
Post History
 # Posted: 24 May 2008 00:18


Quoting: rach_1623
Prednisone is the steroid I took for 5 days from Thurs to Mon for the sinus infection. Hmm, maybe this will just go away on its own. That would be awesome!


Yeah that stuff is vicious; tastes nasty and contributes to weight gain (!) and muscle cramps. I always hate taking it but I'm so prone to sinus infections that it's almost a part of my regular "diet" in the winter.
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