Leg cramps

motogsp
motogsp Posts: 109 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So I feel like my gutes hamstring and calves are always on the verge of cramping and some times they do cramp up. I have been trying to take in adequate amount of water. Stretching feels good but doesn't stop the cramping feeling.

Wondering if it could be diet related or back issue which I have and just had a bad episode. Could be vitamin deficiency?

Just looking for other thoughts or if you have experienced this feeling.

Thanks

Replies

  • LeanButNotMean44
    LeanButNotMean44 Posts: 852 Member
    It could be a few things - dehydration, lack of potassium/electrolytes, etc. Make sure you really are drinking enough water, and eat some potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, etc.
  • motogsp
    motogsp Posts: 109 Member
    Thanks I give the drinking water and Potassium rich food a try.
  • Dancing_Laeti
    Dancing_Laeti Posts: 752 Member
    A lack of magnesium can also lead to cramping.
    I found that when either taking one tablet in the morning or, if you find effervescent ones, putting that in your water bottle while exercising, helps a lot.
  • emAZn
    emAZn Posts: 413 Member
    Happens to me every day. I find that taking a multi-vitamin helps and not drinking too much water, just drink when you are thirsty.
  • suecan2
    suecan2 Posts: 45
    I get these too... so irritating. I feel magnesium supplement helps me. I buy the powered stuff at the health food store called "calm".
  • __Di__
    __Di__ Posts: 1,660 Member
    So I feel like my gutes hamstring and calves are always on the verge of cramping and some times they do cramp up. I have been trying to take in adequate amount of water. Stretching feels good but doesn't stop the cramping feeling.

    Wondering if it could be diet related or back issue which I have and just had a bad episode. Could be vitamin deficiency?

    Just looking for other thoughts or if you have experienced this feeling.

    Thanks

    Lack of sodium and lack of Potassium are causes of cramp. Drinking adequate fluids is a definite yes to do but if you are deficient in sodium or Potassium, drinking more whilst sweating means you are losing even more sodium and then in turn, by drinking even more fluids, you are flushing out even MORE sodium.

    Bananas, Potatoes, Salmon are all good for Potassium, as are eggs. Certain sports drinks will help keep your electrolytes balanced.

    Just drinking more fluids will not ease the cramps, in fact, it could make the problem even worse unless you sort out the sodium and Potassium shortage at the same time.
  • QueenBishOTUniverse
    QueenBishOTUniverse Posts: 14,121 Member
    Potassium and magnesium are the two major electrolytes that tend to have an affect in this area and you need to make sure you are gettting enough of both. I actually ended up resorting to a specific Potassium supplement because even with the food intake I was still getting muscle knots everywhere. I get the magnesium from my general multivitamin and also from epson salt baths, the magnesium from epsom salt has been shown to absorb through the skin directly, it's actually one of the ONLY things you can absorb this way. As far as water intake, things like Mio active have the magnesium and potassium in them already, so you can up your water intake without having to worry about flushing too many electrolytes out of your system.
  • motogsp
    motogsp Posts: 109 Member
    Wow this is great stuff! Thank you for the replies. I will definitely try these suggestions out.
  • EmlyBar
    EmlyBar Posts: 26 Member
    They say you should drink 1/2 your weight in water...I'd at least shoot for 100oz. That could be the prob! :)
    Good luck!!

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