Seriuos question about calf muscles

Lauren8239

I've researched here and on the internet, but I'm not happy with what I've read so I'd like to ask you all your opinion.
I've been exercising regularly and doing well for the past year. I noticed a couple of years ago that whenever I went walking somewhere, my calves would cramp. I'd have to slow down/stop. Really threw me for a loop. Now, when I exercise my calves cramp. I started taking potassium and calcium/magnesium supplements to see if it would help as I can't eat bananas, and I find it has helped. My calves are quite muscular so I make sure I warm up well first. I've been taking the supplements about a month, and now the only cramping I get is in the upper inside calf muscle. Is there anything else I can do to stop this? Should I just ride it out and see if it improves? The funny thing is that it isn't strength exercises that give me the cramps, it's cardio such as running and such. The muscles go rock hard and are super tender so I stop and put on heat ointment to loosen them up. I don't wear high heels, I've always favored flat shoes. I'm curious if anyone else has this problem and what helps? Thanks for your input as I find it so frustrating to be 15 minutes into my exercising and then feeling like knives have been rammed into my calves.

SarahNicole317

It could have to do with the anatomy of your feet... flat? extra high? It may also have to do with where you land on your foot... inside, outside? You could go to a running store that has the technology to see what type of shoe is best for you... ya know when they put you on a treadmill and can look at your stride and how you land.

Kabula

Stretch! Stretch, Stretch! and keep taking potassium!

Lauren8239

Thank you for the replies. I think you may be right about the feet. I have high arches and I do walk on the outside of my feet. Even when doing jumping on the balls of my feet I jump landing on the outside of the balls of my feet. I see a chiropractor every 2 weeks and he does orthotics, so I will ask him to check my feet and get orthotics to correct the issue. It could also explain my knee issues I've had my entire life (I'm 47). I'm so glad I asked! Thanks again,