Magnesium Oxide to aid leg cramps?

Newf77

So my fitness friends, I am trying to do some research here and would like the educated opinions of those that take Magnesium Oxide as a supplement. I am looking at possibly adding it to my supplement regiment to assist with calf cramps when I run. The last step of my research will be to take my inquiry to my Primary Care Physician. Thanks in advance to those of you who can keep it civil and provide honest feedback. Ready; Aim; Let Loose.

twinmom1993

I just looked it up (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000070/ )and i what i saw was its uses are generally for heartburn, an such and also as a laxitive... be careful if it is the choice you make...

Maybe try taking potassium, im no doctor but from what i understand lack of potassium is one cause for leg cramps. good luck to you

BerryH

Three things give me calf cramps: dehydration and electrolytes (whether from running or drinking wine!), the wrong running shoes and using a treadmill on an incline.

1. Dehydration and electrolytes. If you're sure you're getting enough water, your electrolytes might be out of whack. Potassium would be my first port of call (the cheapest way of supplementing is by switching to a low-sodium salt) and if that doesn't help, yes, do look at magnesium, but add in calcium as well as both are involved in the muscle contraction process. I recommend High 5 Zero sports drink tabs, which have potassium, magnesium and calcium, zero calories and taste great!

2. I've had more than one pair of shoes that feel like running on clouds when I start out but have me cramping like I'm going into labour after an hour. Usually they have too much support for me and are forcing me into an unnatural foot landing.

3.Constant inclines on a treadmill are a killer, even just those enough to "simulate outdoors running". Again it forces an unnatural landing and stretched your calf muscle with each step. Do rolling inclines or ditch the dreadmill altogether and do your hill -work outdoors.

Hope one of these helps, and don't forget to do lots of long, leisurely calf stretches after every run.

Newf77

Thank you for the responses, this has been an issue I have had for a good number of years; so much I would avoid run and if I did would power through the pain. Since it has been years of dealing with it I have tried every stretch recommended; eaten lots of Banana have had my gait analyzed. This is an issue I face on the dreadmill and the outdoor runs.

Newf77

Because there are fresh eyes on weekends I am going to fan this flame alittle.

gxm17

I have had terrible leg cramps most of my life. And I've tried just about all the usual suggestions: eat bananas, more potassium, more calcium, electrolytes, etc. The things I've found that work the best are 1) a supplement called "Mag Relax" that my local health food store sells; it's a powder that you mix with hot water and drink before bedtime, and 2) keeping my legs warm, especially at night during the winter when my cramps can be their worst. Magnesium pills don't work for me but for some reason the powdered formula seems to help. Also, for a quick fix, I take the Hyland Leg Cramp pills.

Newf77

Thank you gxm17, I will look into these supplements.

Phaedra2014

So my fitness friends, I am trying to do some research here and would like the educated opinions of those that take Magnesium Oxide as a supplement. I am looking at possibly adding it to my supplement regiment to assist with calf cramps when I run. The last step of my research will be to take my inquiry to my Primary Care Physician. Thanks in advance to those of you who can keep it civil and provide honest feedback. Ready; Aim; Let Loose.

Potassium is for cramps. Make sure your sodium levels are not too low either. Mag citrate is much easier on the tummy than Mag oxide or Mag malate.