Avid Runner Suddenly Having Problems w/ Calves Cramping?

Question

Not new to the sport, I have been a marathoner and ultramarathoner for over ten years. Suddenly, I have begun experiencing excruciating cramps in my claves throughout the night. Any suggestions on what might fix this? I don't think I have low potassium levels ... and haven't upped my mileage severely in the past weeks. Stretch out before bed time??

Thank you for the help!

Answer 1

I too have run for about 28 years or so...and as I age find new issues pop up.
If you sleep on your stomach, chances are you point your toes which 'shortens' the achilles and calves. Even if you sleep on your back this may happen. As they become used to being 'shorter' or 'relaxed', they might tend to cramp up if you move your foot to its normal postion of 90 degrees vs the leg. I don't have calf probs as much as I do have soleus and achilles probs...but I ended up getting 2 'night boots'...my brand is the Healwell
http://plantarfasciitisbrace.com/
Now I really have very few issues with the achilles. When I wake and walk in the morning, there is no tightness, etc. I also use a foam roller in the morning when I wake up and before I go to bed at night.

Also, re cramping: for years Gatorade was fine for hydration and for electrolytes for me. But, in the last 4 years I have begun adding a bit of salt to my gatorade. Just enough to make it taste a little funny. Now from sprint tris to half ironmans, from 10ks to 1/2 marathons I don't cramp. Why in the last 4 years??? I wish I knew...but I suspect it is because I am 42 and not 35 anymore.

If your electrolytes are right, and your mileage has not taken a big jump...I would say it relates to foot position at night. Give the boots a try and see if that helps! Good luck!

Answer 2

Sounds like hypocalciumia or hypopotassiumia Make definite you're getting ample Calcium and Magnesium (they paintings in combination and take in quality in combination), Nature Made has a rather quality High Absorption combination out. Also along with your pastime are you getting ample Potassium? Eat bananas or drink a few OJ daily or should you get up take hold of one or the opposite. Diet makes the largest change and also you ought to make certain you're getting ample stability and nutrients. It is quality to get Potassium from meals and do not OD on a complement too little, muscle cramps and middle probelms an excessive amount of middle stops. If it maintains or will get worse pass to the document

Answer 3

maybe you are not hydrating your self well enough, try a Gatorade in case you need the salt also my Father gets horrible cramps in his leg the doctor told him he needed potassium even though he took a vitamin with it, so now my dad eats a banana a day and hasn't had any problems. If it persist you should go to the doctor, you wouldn't want to have a blood clot or something.

Answer 4

This one is certainly new to me...

Here are some standards:

1) Make sure you are hydrated. Dehydration can cause cramping.

2) Check your potassium levels. With the summer heat upon us, you could be low.

3) Stretch.

Here's a helpful link with more information:

http://www.digitalnaturopath.com/cond/C466089.html

Answer 5

I had the night cramping in my claves, I haven't had it for a long time after I started taking Calcuim tablet.
Give that a try, it can't hurt, and it's good for your body anyway.

Answer 6

You might want to increase your water intake, and not just on run days, but the two days before to keep ample water in your system.

I had a soccer player on a team I coached that had this exact problem and after she increased her water as prescribed, no more calf problems.

Have a nice day.

Answer 7

I am not an MD but you might be suffering from restless leg syndrome. The sever cramping at night is one of the symptoms. I would check with your MD.

Answer 8

I have had this before due to my Fibro issues to help combat it a specialist put me on Calcium 1000 mg a day. Hope that helps.