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About a week ago my left calf started cramping and I ignored it and kept training. I know! Naughty me. Well Thursday night it seized up so bad I about fell off my bike. I finally got the hint and took a rest day yesterday, however I still have cramping. My calf feels like it is in a constant state of a mild cramp and is even starting to affect my left foot. Any suggestions on how to treat this? I don't think I can ride like this!
Maybe this article will help.
http://www.drmirkin.com/public/ezine011611.html
I have found taking a calcium/magnesium supplement on a daily basis is a huge help.
That's very interesting. It's severe calf cramps that led me to give up on marathons after 3 tries....I developed bad cramps during all 3 by the 21-22 mile marker. Didn't matter my training or electrolyte intake.Quote:
Originally Posted by makbike
Though I am a seriously heavy sweater and people have commented on the degree of white salt rings on my cycling clothes during long, hot rides...so part of me wonders if I could be one of those people who does have issues from sweat volume.
I've been having the exact same issue...only mine is affecting my right calf. But yeah, feels like it's in a constant state of contraction all the time. Mine started during a run about 3 weeks ago, and has been intermittent ever since. Somedays it's horrible and hurts just walking...other days it's not bad at all and I barely notice it. I've been foam rolling it, which helps a little bit. And I've been taking Cal/Mag/Vit. D supplements for years, so I've got that covered. But I noticed the biggest improvement when I bought a compression calf sleeve at my LRS and started wearing it during my runs and immediately after. I've even slept with it on a few nights and in the morning, my calf feels fresh and ready to go. I haven't had a single "seize up" during a run or ride since I started wearing it. The store I went to had 2 different brands - Zensah and CW-X. I ended up going with the CW-X one, only because I already own a few other CW-X items. They come in a pair, and were about $40. Might be something worth considering.
Thank you! I'm heading to the store right now:)
+1 on magnesium. I make sure to have some along DURING long rides and runs - in the form of Endurolytes or Zenergize, usually. I had enough experience on the bike before I started distance running, that I never even attempted anything over about 15-18 miles without Endurolytes.
Fit can be an issue too. I had terrible cramps in both my calves and tibiales anteriores when my saddle was too far forward. (I put it there before I knew any better because some guy thought it would help me sit farther back on the saddle - which was just too wedge-shaped for me.)
PS - calcium and magnesium ARE electrolytes. :)
Thanks for the article. I've been having problems with my feet cramping, which I think is related to the posterior tibial tendonitis I've been dealing with. But I'm also one of those super-salty-sweat people.
Foot cramping could also be shoes that are too narrow...ask me how I know this... :rolleyes:
Haha, true. I should have specified - it's happening mostly during pilates but occasionally when I try to kick my covers around at night. No shoes :)
Plus I don't think I've ever in my life seen shoes that are too narrow for me :p
Ha, I have the opposite problem...now that I have men's D-width shoes I wonder how I tolerated women's B-width Sidis for so long. I no longer think about my feet on rides, which is beautiful!Quote:
Originally Posted by jessmarimba
I also tend to cramp after exercise periodically and it almost always because I haven't been taking my endurolytes (magnesium) or eating enough bananas. Since I have been taking my minerals and make a point of having a greek yogurt, banana and some milk every other day or so.
Maybe a daily banana would help?
marni