12 replies to this topic

[inawe]

Probably this was discussed here before but I cannot find any
reference to the subject.
Does anybody know what to do about leg or foot cramps due to exercise?
I get them once in a while usually in bed. But also sitting down.
According to my blood tests my electrolytes are in the normal range.
So why do I get cramps? My doctor told me to take quinine but I read
it can have some bad side effects.
I'll appreciate any good tips on how to avoid them.

[Matt]

You tried Magnesium supplements yet?

[barak]

Since taking magnesium supplements (drink mixes, pills, etc.) I haven't had single cramp in my feet, leg, or thigh area. I agree might be a good try.

[inawe]

You tried Magnesium supplements yet?

I take Magnesium Oxide (800-1000 mgr) every night before going to sleep.
I don't put salt on my food. So maybe what I need is Sodium.

[barak]

I talked to my coach today and he said the best thing he knows is to make sure your getting enough Sodium AND Potassium, and I eat a couple bananas a day so maybe its not the magnesium helping me at all lol.

[shifter]

You usually get a bit of arning when its just about to happen. When you feel this, straighten the leg out instantly. Then you wont get the cramp.

I've never had a cramp in my foot, but I've had a cramp in each calf once, before I knew how to get around it. Ouch!

[peter pan]

Cramping is from magnesium deficiency. There's magnesium in bananas. I use NaturalCalm.

[Karomesis]

one word my friend.........bananas [thumb]

prefferably in your protein drink (isolated whey) of course [lol]


personally, they eliminate post workout cramps for me.

[inawe]

I get cramps once in a while. I saw professional athletes getting
cramps, so I know I'm not the only one to whom this happens.
I'm looking at my blood test results:
Sodium = 137 (135-145)
Potassium = 4.3 (3.6-5.0)
Chloride = 103 (101-111)
Calcium = 8.9 (8.5-10.5).
For some reason Magnesium is not measured. But I take almost a gram
every night. Also take Potassium and drink enough liquids.
For sure I'm not anemic. When I put my finger in the oxygen sensor at
the gym it hits 99% most of the time.
Thanks anyway.

[Raptor87]

I have had this issue since I hit puberty. At that time the cramps were very painful but I guessed I was growing and that I would grow out of it. But I didn't! Today my right calf is disfigured from excessive cramping, I only need to flex my calves and they lock up.

Cramping and stiffness has prevented me from a doing a lot of activities and sports. My legs are very stiff which affects my back. i have been at my docs several times and he said my NaCl levels were a little low, but my added salt consumption didn't do much. Also an imbalance of minerals can lead to cramps, so adding magnesium might worsen cramping if another mineral is needed.

Minerals aside, what can cause cramping and what can you do about it?

[caliope]

Muscles seem to cramp for all kinds of reasons - if they are used too much and if they are used too little. Minerals can be helpful but they can only do so much. What you describe seems outside the normal range of human variation. I wonder if using a TENS machine to improve blood flow to the area would help? Then you could gradually start exercising the area until it is stronger. If that doesn't work, I would want an imaging study if I were you. Perhaps something is preventing blood flow to your calves? In that case a vascular surgeon might be able to help you.

[kurdishfella]

can be caused by flat feet which is caused by nerodegeneration together with healthy body