Help! Calf cramps

Stretch before and after. Foam rollers help too. So does a well balanced diet...specifically sufficient potassium, calcium and magnesium.

I agree with cmriverside. Electrolytes could be an issue if you are drinking a lot of water without replacing electrolytes. Although most people get enough sodium, there are some medications that cause low sodium. I found out that low sodium was my problem for a long time (due to medication), and it caused a lot of bothersome symptoms, including calf cramps! It is hard to balance water and electrolytes. It is important to drink water, but TOO much water can also be a problem. I have started tracking my water intake to make sure I am not drinking too much or too little. It is tedious.

Other things that I have found helpful:
- Warmup for at least 5 minutes before vigorous training
- Stretch AFTER the warmup. Muscles are capable of stretching more effectively after they've been warmed up.
- Stretch after exercising
- After a vigorous effort, cooldown to work out lactic acid.
- Eat enough protein so your leg muscles can recover

Besides what it has been suggested above:

Spray THERAWORKX (you can get it at your local drugstore, no Rx needed). It is very effective and acts fast. Also a glass of Tonic Water before your exercise can help you since it has quinine. You can get the low calorie version, if you prefer.

Zinc and magnesium can help with cramp as well as replacing electrolytes if you sweat a lot

It’s possible you’re not stretching long enough, or you’re not stretching the right muscle when you stretch. It’s recommended that you hold your stretch for 30-60 seconds, and if you want to stretch you gastrocnemius, then keep your knee straight. If it’s the soleus that is cramping, then you want to bend your knee while you stretch. Another thing you could do is put a towel under the arch of your foot so you don’t overpronate when you stretch, and that will keep your foot in optimal alignment to get a better stretch.

I’m not an expert, just sharing my own personal experience.
I find that I have to try different things before I find something that works for me.
I find gentle stretching before exercise, foam rolling and static stretching after exercise are helpful in dealing with any muscle cramping.

Good luck

iam4scuba wrote: »

More water. All these other things are good methods to help if you're hydrated and still cramping, but it sounds like you know you're not getting enough water. Don't worry about drinking too much water.

Except there’s something called hyperhydration where you literally drink too much water. Water is good, but it’s the electrolytes that hydrate you. If you don’t get electrolytes into your body, you could literally die of dehydration with a stomach full of water.

I've tried everything, stretching, foam rolling, making sure i drink plenty of water, supplements. While helpful for a little in the beginning, stops working and terrible night time cramping is back. Finally found supplement that's been working long term for me - magnesium chloride. Mind you, I've read a lot on this topic, consulted my doctor, talked to people who have found the way to get rid of it. Magnesium supplement is helping many, there are different forms of it, and some work better for one, while other form works better for another person. I tried few different forms, and through the trials figured which one is helping me. Good luck!