Cramps when running?

Question

I get cramps a lot when I run, usually towards the beginning. I know they happen to many people...and I was wondering: Is it better to run through the cramps, or walk/stop until they go away? How long does it usually take them to go away? Why do you get cramps when you run? Any tips on making them less/non-existant?

Answer 1

There are many reasons you could be getting cramps. If you eat or drink lots before you run, you can get cramps. Solution, if you are hungry- have a sports bar or something light like a banana to give you enough energy to make it through the run.

Are you stretching before and afterwards? You can get cramps from not warming up your muscles enough. Never run wtihout stretching and warming up first. Going out on a hard run should include a warm up to get your body going.

Really hot and really cold temperatures can cause you to cramp. Your body isn't used to the temp. and it reacts by seizing up a bit. Again, stretching and thoroughly warming up before you run can lessen the cramps.

When you do cramp, focus on your breathing. Breath in slowly through your nose, and out through your mouth. Do this for a minute or two to help cramping. If you do continue to cramp, stop and walk, again, concerntrating on your breathing. Breathing slowly, big deep breaths, can really help cramping- also, if you feel you need to stretch, do so, start slow again and gradually get back into your run.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

Well first, to prevent cramps you should ingest lots of Vitamin C : Bananas, Oranges, Gatorade, and of course you can take supplements.

Really, a cramp isn't going to go away because you keep running, so if you can deal with the pain then keep running ( to salvage your workout ) However, if the pain is too much, stop drink water and rest the smallest amount of time possible to lessen the cramps to a bearable state. Depending on the location of the cramps, if they are still occurring after upping your vitamin C intake, I suggest seeing a doctor because you could have a medical problem that should be fixed ( not to say you are facing medical trouble, but later in your life you will regret not paying attention to it .)

As to the length, it really will last until your muscles relax, which requires them to stop contracting as often to fix the quirks causing the cramps ( lots of medical stuff that I don't know....) The longer you rest the more likely the cramp is gone.

Also, if it is in an area which you can massage then you can stop and work out the cramp through strong and continuous motions.

If you run competitively, try eating a few mustard packets before a race.

Answer 3

Cramps are usually caused from a lack of hydration or oxygen. The infamous side-stick is almost always caused by a lack of oxygen. Try taking deep and calm breaths before your run and during the run to clear up the pain. See the link below for some more tips. Good luck.

- Mike

Answer 4

I get cramps a lot too when I run.
Mostly when I first begin to run, like you.
I usually run through the cramps because that
is what people have told me to do.
I think walking or stopping until they go away only worstens the condition because you aren't telling your body to fight the pain. You are just telling it that you are going to have to always stop to get rid of the pain. You just need to keep an "I can do it" attitude.
I've always been told that you get cramps because you are either dehydrated or that muscle is getting stronger. Your body isn't used to doing that much work and is revolting, or fighting back.

Answer 5

1. stay hydrated
2. if you get a cramp anyway, definately try to run through it or at worst walk through it, you don't want to stop.
3. Sometimes taking really deep breaths while still jogging will help because it will get more oxygen into your system which is the root cause of the cramps - lack of oxygen.
4. Good luck.

Answer 6

I am a runner and when i started I got so many cramps i could hardly stand it ! I think when u get a cramp press as hard as you can on it - it really helps it go away - and then put your hands up over ur head and jog - dont stop! it will cause it to become worse - happy running!

Answer 7

I was told two different ways to solve running cramps. One being walk and message the pain away then continue running. But when I tried doing that when trying out for softball I was told to keep running but breathe in your nose and out your mouth, circular breathing allows the cramps to go away. Or maybe it was just concentrating on the breathing took away the pain...let me know!!

Answer 8

When I was new to running I got cramps, or when I was getting back into the season. For me throughout highschool xc and track it was just when my body was getting used to it, it had nothing to do with chuging down water or eating (although i did eat some light food..non citric...so that it doen'st come up...like banana was my all time favorite) But that was my case...and if u do get cramps when u run, try to take deep breaths...feel it from the diaphram...expand your lungs out as much and try to suck in the tummy and breath.

Answer 9

run through it. normally the cramp wont go away until you stop running. most cramps are from dehyration. drink alot before and after you run. While you are running, if its possible squeeze the cramp. it should help take some of the pain away.

Answer 10

Cramps are caused by a lack of oxygen getting to your muscles. The best thing to do is stretch alot before running and do a warmup jog/walk. These should go away as you run more frequently and you cardio vas. system gets used to sending extra blood and oxygen to your extremities.