Killer Calf Cramps - What happened?

[Bklynmom]

I woke up in the night with a killer calf cramp. I stretched and it went away but all day today it felt like it was going to cramp - stretching staved it off so far. The other leg felt a little crampy too. I had some vitamin water with calcium and a banana which helped, and I've been stretching every chance I get.

However, I can still feel the muscle twitching right now

I have been training - about 4-5 days a week - some hill repeats (6 X on a .20 mile medium grade) nothing crazy, since March. I did my first century at the end of May. I am starting to work on hills, which hasn't bothered my calves at all.

Now yesterday it was raining, so I went to a spinning class which was an endurance ride where we tried to keep a 90 RPM cadence for 30 min. I kept up at about 80 RPM. I then did a light weight workout (nothing I haven't done hundreds of times). Maybe this caused it somehow? I haven't done spinning in a few months but was a regular during the winter.

So my question is -- what did I do to myself, and how do I fix it?

[Beane]

I had this same experience -- extraordinarily painful cramp in the middle of the night (I actually woke up screaming). Let me know if you find anything out about how this happens. Thanks.

[Kimmyt]

I tend to get them when I'm doing very strenuous activity involving pointing my toes for a length of time. I've had some doozies swimming (thought I might actually need the lifeguard for that, was screaming and clutching to the side of the pool) and have had some doing more technical routes climbing.

Sometimes when I spin and my toes try and point instead of using the proper technique I feel like I'm going to get them, but I just make a point to drop my heels. Can't help you with the night thing though, maybe eat a banana before bed??

[Bklynmom]

[QUOTE=Kimmyt;213060]I've had some doozies swimming (thought I might actually need the lifeguard for that, was screaming and clutching to the side of the pool)

I have had them from swimming too - sure that was dehydration - screamed and was rescued by a swimmer who bent my foot for me...

Maybe it was spinning - I did it in sneakers instead of bike shoes, maybe that was a reason.

Bananas before bed will become my routine for sure.

[Jolt]

I have had them from swimming too - sure that was dehydration - screamed and was rescued by a swimmer who bent my foot for me...

I have gotten them while swimming as well, usually when using fins. I have found that it is especially likely to happen when using fins that are a little too big for my feet, for some reason.

[Fredwina]

I get these too, I've mentioned them to several Docs, and the reply has always been "don't worry"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cramp#Nocturnal_leg_cramps
http://alternative-medicine-and-heal...s/legcramp.htm
http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C466614.html

[gnat23]

If I'm exercising a lot, I get these horrendous suddenly-screaming night calf pains all the time... unless I take my calcium/magnesium and multi-vitamin pills EVERY DAY.

I dunno what causes it, but if I stay good with my pills, then they go away. Annoying.

-- gnat!

[Bklynmom]

I took an extra calcium and vitamin too - thanks!

L