Muscle cramps during night AFTER a ride

[CorsairMac]

Sounds like magnesium to me.. Have you tried supplementing mag? Slo mag works the best. I have a HUGE problem w/ this. It sounds like your salt is in line, but potasium and mag may need to be supplemented. Try the mag first tho. I have a non athletic friend who wakes up at night with HORRIBLE leg cramps if she doesn't supplement magnesium. But don't take potasium and magnesium at the same time if you try both... Just a heads up.

yup - but do take Mag and Cal at the same time as they help each other with your bodys absorption.

[newfsmith]

I have severe leg cramps almost nightly, even if I take 3 or4 days off riding. I have tried all of the above mentioned supplements, switched to a waist mounted camelbak to be sure I was well hydrated, experimented with quinine, all to no avail. I get up and stretch only to have a different set of muscles cramp. Often it is not even the opposing set of muscles. Sometimes I suspect it is triggered by lying on my side too long; but we have a Tempurpedic mattress, so I don't really think that is the case. I have spoken to my primary care doc, she has no more suggestions. I'm currently managing them by a quick stretch to get out of the screaming stage, then walk to the bathroom (stepping over large dog) and back. That short walk seems to work better than more stretching. When I get back in bed I try to get into bed with the non-affected leg as relaxed as I can keep it. And my husband wonders why I have trouble getting up in the morning.

[ridebikeme]

Well, I agree with everything that all of you have mentioned... what I have found that works for me is to stretch daily and AFTER a ride. It has all but eliminated my cramps during the night, and I feel much better on the bike the next day. In the European countries, they use hot water/cold water several times after a workout or simply after a day at work.... hope this helps!