We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Cramping in my calf muscles! HELP

J3SSP3NNY
J3SSP3NNY Posts: 235
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I am a runner. Specifically intervals on the elliptical...

But my legs are cramping up something awful. I run through it until it gets so bad that I have to take a few day break and I can barely walk....I have up'd my water intake. And I have been stretching.

What gives? Anyone else have this issue? And does anyone know what I should do to solve it?!

I don't want to quit working out for 3-5 days at a time. I will lose motivation!!!

Replies

  • Yanicka1
    Yanicka1 Posts: 4,564 Member
    is it possible that you are low on potassium?
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This content has been removed.
  • marnasworld
    marnasworld Posts: 3 Member
    magnesium potassium aspartate will get rid of cramps and shin splints
  • Iluvchopsticks
    Iluvchopsticks Posts: 130 Member
    This happens to a lot of runners, especially one who use minimalist shoes and run a lot. I eat plenty of potassium and still get calf cramps. Compression gear helps a bit, I would recommend that. After a long run I always use compression socks to help recovery. You may just need to be patient while your calfs strengthen. Icing can also be a big help after a run.
  • J3SSP3NNY
    J3SSP3NNY Posts: 235
    This happens to a lot of runners, especially one who use minimalist shoes and run a lot. I eat plenty of potassium and still get calf cramps. Compression gear helps a bit, I would recommend that. After a long run I always use compression socks to help recovery. You may just need to be patient while your calfs strengthen. Icing can also be a big help after a run.

    I could be low on those minerals and I will look into that.

    I bought running shoes...They are Nike pegasus 28's. They're like a $90 shoe. Idk, I would hope that they aren't minimal?? lol
  • J3SSP3NNY
    J3SSP3NNY Posts: 235
    This happens to a lot of runners, especially one who use minimalist shoes and run a lot. I eat plenty of potassium and still get calf cramps. Compression gear helps a bit, I would recommend that. After a long run I always use compression socks to help recovery. You may just need to be patient while your calfs strengthen. Icing can also be a big help after a run.

    I could be low on those minerals and I will look into that.

    I bought running shoes...They are Nike pegasus 28's. They're like a $90 shoe. Idk, I would hope that they aren't minimal?? lol
  • 1jeaniebeanie
    1jeaniebeanie Posts: 86 Member
    More bananas!!! They helped me when that would happen during my pregnancies...
  • Egriffin1504
    Egriffin1504 Posts: 4 Member
    Are you a big soda or diet soda drinker? Soda will strip the calcium from your bones because calcium and acidity do not play well together. You could also be dehydrated, or have a potassium deficiency.
  • AZTrailRunner
    AZTrailRunner Posts: 1,199 Member
    Sodium and Potassium to the rescue. Include light stretching (no need to be excessive) for the calves.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories