how do i relieve calf cramps?

Schwiggity

I did my first 15K this morning, and toward the end of it, I had a small calf cramp, and then I giant painful one after the race. What can I do for this? It feels like if I exert myself at all again it's going to cramp up again. I've drank plenty of gatorade/eaten already. Anyone know some good stretches for this?

Gigi_licious

My dad takes calcium pills called Calcete for his. He gets them from Walmart. Mine on the other hand are usually caused my lack of Potassium, so I take a Potassium pill when I get them.

NashvilleShelley

I have read bananas and calcium .... Congrats on the 15K!!!! : )

Samerah12

Just point your toes straight, relax, point your toes. Don't do anything that still really hurts. I've been told to massage them but that never does anything for me.

healthy4self

Try the foam roller, it will work out all the kinks

grouch201

My calf cramps have generally come after a particularly long or hard bike ride. I am careful not to point my toes, since this usually is when the calf cramps. Rather, I will place the ball of my foot against a wall or beam and lean forward to stretch it out. Also drink plenty of water and get some potassium. Bananas are my favorite!

Athena413

I get BAD leg cramps - they actually sell a pill at Wal-Mart called "Leg Cramp". If I can't walk it out or massage it out I pop a few of those and they usually seem to help.

mags2504

Congratulations on the 15k, that's awesome.

I wish we had a walmart in UK, they seem to sell everything.lol.

Buhbeee

Firstly - CONGRATS ON THE 15K!!! And I love your before and after pics - you are doing a great job!!!

Streches for calves:
1: Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Lean your chest toward your right knee and hold for 30 seconds. Move to center, if you need to, put a slight bend in your knee, but try first to keep you legs straight and touch the floor. With your hands to the floor reach back. If you can get a little wider, get a little wider. Hold for 30 seconds. Move your chest toward your left knee and hold for 30 seconds.
2. Sit on the floor with your legs open and your toes pointed toward the ceiling. Take your left hand and hold the toe of your right shoe and gently lower your body. Flex your foot toward your body. This might hurt a little on the cramp, but the cramp will release. Hold for 30 seconds. Move to center and reach out as far as you can, hands on the floor. Hold for 30 seconds. Finally, move your right hand and hold the toe of your left shoe and gently lower your body. Flex your foot toward your body. Hold for 30 seconds.

Remember. you always want to grab your left leg/foot with your right hand or your right leg/foot with your left hand. Otherwise you torch your knee. You want to keep your knees in their natural rotation. I see people streach incorrectly all the time. It's something that's been done for years.

Drink lots of water have a banana. You'll feel better.

koosdel

Sodium is good. Have some more.

calliope_music

i second the foam roller. my father in law swears by them. a rolling pin sort of works the same too.

Athena413

i second the foam roller. my father in law swears by them. a rolling pin sort of works the same too.

:laugh: I actually used a rolling pin the other day because we don't have a foam roller!