i exercise quite a lot and am in shape but lately (since I started swimming) i get strong cramps in calfs (it doesnt happen at the same time in both legs), usually during the night.. why does this happen, what causes cramps generally and how to prevent it?
2006-06-22 08:44:12 · 18 answers · asked by Lana 3 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
i dont think i should be taking calcium pills because i experienced problems with kidneys several yrs ago
2006-06-22 09:07:10 · update #1
Eating foods high in potassium can relieve cramps. Bananas are good for that as they are high in potassium. Likewise doing regular stretches will help relieve the potential for muscle cramping.
If you do a lot of swimming, you will be using your calf muscles a lot and if you don't stretch them out before and after you swim, you can get muscle cramps.
2006-06-22 08:48:00 · answer #1 · answered by kinsey_ad 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like hypocalciumia or hypopotassiumia
Make sure you are getting enough Calcium and Magnesium (they work together and absorb best together), Nature Made has a really great High Absorption combo out. Also with your activity are you getting enough Potassium? Eat bananas or drink some OJ everyday or if you wake up grab one or the other. Diet makes the biggest difference and you have to make sure you are getting enough balance and nutrition. It is best to get Potassium from food and don't OD on a supplement too little, muscle cramps and heart probelms too much heart stops. If it continues or gets worse go to the doc
2006-06-22 15:52:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem, and I hate it. It hasn't happened in a bit, but it used to happen to me quite a bit.
Potassium is typically the problem, or actually the lack of potassium.
Eat some bananas and make sure that you are drinking plenty of water.
I don't know if this will help you (it really helped me) when they happen, but try standing.
I know this sound weird, but again, it worked for me.
I'd be sleeping and then the cramp would hit (we call it a charlie horse in my family) and it would wake me up immediately. The pain would sometimes be nearly unbearable. If I quickly get out of bed and plant both feet on the ground, allowing the muscles to work a bit, it goes away mostly.
If it's still sore or if your worried that it will happen again (like it feels like it's in the background waiting to pop again), try a nice warm bath. This will help to relax the muscles and allow you to get back to sleep better.
Hope that this helps.
Buddhadan
2006-06-22 15:50:49 · answer #3 · answered by buddhadan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This same thing used to happen to me. In the middle of the night, one of my legs would cramp up so bad! I was told that it happened because I wasnt getting enough calcium in my diet, so I started taking calcium pills and it never happens anymore.
2006-06-22 15:47:02 · answer #4 · answered by nothankyou 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Swimming will definitely increase the stress on your leg muscles. But a simple way to reduce leg cramps whether you've been swimming or just walking - DRINK WATER! Drink loads and loads of water - not juice not soda - WATER. You're slightly dehydrated and drinking plenty of water will reduce the cramps. Sleep with a glass of water near your bed and when you are awakened with cramps, drink the water. The pain will immediately subside.
2006-06-22 15:51:04 · answer #5 · answered by Longlegbrowngal 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone seems to be giving you the same advice, potassium (bananas) and calcium. I recommend that and if it does happen again then flex your foot. It's going to hurt but you have to force yourself to flex and it will stretch your calf and help the cramp go away.
2006-06-22 15:50:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I KNOW THAT PAIN HURTS! It's like your muscles are tightening like an elastic band.
The last time I got it one night was from exercise and then a hot sauna that day. I did some research and from what I remember you need to drink LOTS of water because it can be from dehydration. Also alcohol is a big no-no if you think you are dehydrated.
2006-06-22 15:56:16 · answer #7 · answered by buzybee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to run 3 miles or more a day and would wake up and have to jump out of bed b/c the pain was so excruciating and unexpected. I started to eat a banana or a bowl of corn flakes with bananas and it seemed to help tremendously. Before a meet, i would also try and eat one.
2006-06-22 15:49:38 · answer #8 · answered by buddhasgirl1220 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Other possible explanations can be circulatory problems or, since they occur during the night, low blood sugar. The calcium supplements, taken before bedtime, can help keep blood sugar up during the night.
2006-06-22 15:52:35 · answer #9 · answered by Pegasus90 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the time you get cramps in your legs from lack of potassium. Try eating more potassium like bananas.
2006-06-22 15:47:41 · answer #10 · answered by kort 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋