Does anyone have any information on calf cramps?

Question

I play rugby and cricket very regularly, and when i am playing in matches, tournaments or fielding for long times in cricket i always seem to get severe unbearable calf cramps, often in both calfs, i then cant continue, cant walk and often still have pain in my calfs for anything up to about a week after.
Does anyone know what causs them or even more helpful would be how to prevent them like any good products to buy, medicines, vitamins etc....any ideas are always useful?
whatever information you have please spread the knowledge!
thanks

Answer 1

you may be lack of potassium... eat banannas like two or three a day and your cramps will subside..... plain ol banannas and drink water!! trust me on this one. Look up banannas and potassium prevention of cramps online.

Answer 2

I would get the same thing as a cross country runner. I know how annoying it is, limping around with calf pain!

If you can, get some ACE wrap and bandage that leg up. It helps to alleviate some of the pain when you walk around. And don't disregard pain relievers with ibuprofen, like Advil. I've also heard that you can sleep with your leg propped up past your heart level; it helps circulation. You could also try IcyHot if you haven't already, it numbs the pain (at least for a little bit). Another thing I've tried is to repeat the action that causes your legs to get so sore in the first place. It works, just don't overdo it.

Put ice on your legs when you get the opportunity to do so. I'd say your best bet is to just rest it off and keep off your feet.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

If you are low in potassium (bananas, orange juice) or calcium (milk, ice cream, cheese). Do calf stretches before exercise (where you push off against a wall doing lunges and stretch one leg at a time).

Just eat a banana split and try that for potassium and calcium. Or an orange julius. Or cheese. or an Oscal D (calcium pill).

If you are taking any lasix (furosemide) water pill, then you may need a prescription potassium supplement, because it depletes potassium.

Answer 4

Cramping can be due to a number of things

dehydration so more fluid is needed.

loss of electrolytes, so having a beverage like powerade may help.

stretch before during and after the game to keep your muscles flexible and have better circulation. This can help off set cramps and injury .

good luck and good health

Answer 5

I use to have that same problem and you are correct the legs stay sore even after the cramp has passed. I asked my Doctor about it and he said the cramps are causing spasms and that i needed to add Calcium to my diet daily. So now I take Calcium and the cramps have all but disappeared.

Answer 6

The cause of cramps is a broad subject, and is different for many people, but in many research studies have shown that a certain brand of calcium can hale with cramps in many mucles. So i highly suggest the hasty buying of "kirkland signature calcium citrate"

Answer 7

Do you drink enough water ?

I often get cramps in my calfs when i don't.

Answer 8

You should drink a sport's drink like Gatorade stretch very well also massage can help

Answer 9

bananas ....eat 2 a day you are low on potassium

Answer 10

have doctor check for DVT and Phlebitis.