Went for a ride last night (road bike) and experienced severe cramps in my calves. It's never happened to me before. What causes this? How can I prevent it in the future? Thanks.
2007-08-28 04:00:35 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Cycling
Cramps are usually caused by dehydration or lack of potassium. Drink plenty of water and eat a banana. You should be fine.
2007-08-28 04:08:15 · answer #1 · answered by Ham B 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have a banana before your ride and at least one during- I carry two on my rides. Also, drink some fluids even when you don't feel thirsty. That will keep you hydrated and keep the cramps away. Also try drinking a lot of fluids (preferably water and Powerade) the evening before a ride. I've found that doing that will help you big time for the following day's ride.
2007-08-28 09:01:28 · answer #2 · answered by Terrence B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually, cramps are caused by dehydration and low electrolyte levels. Try drinking a sports drink before riding and during your ride. If it doesn't usually happen, no problem. But keep the sports drink in mind.
2007-08-28 04:10:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know you're going to balk at this idea, but try some Midol (yes, the period pain relief medication!). Midol works to stop soft tissue cramps. It'll work with any cramps anywhere (I take it for lower back pain all the time). Also, you could try a warm bath, just to relax those muscles. I hope this helps.
2016-04-02 03:28:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
overworked muscles, where they have reached the point where they need rest, will cause cramps. as others have said, being dehydrated or lacking electrolites can cause it, and also statins in my experience. back before i lost my weight, when i was just getting out of couch potatoe mode, i was on a statin for high cholesterhol, and i was having cramps in my calves, went off the meds and they would go away. i simply couldnt tolerate those meds.
remember recovery is as important as working out. if you slam your legs day in and day out, there comes a point where they will just simply refuse to work correctly.
2007-08-28 05:24:46 · answer #5 · answered by ohiojeff 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I train with my son alot for football we also do alot of bike riding .I an my son use an age old rememdy ESPON SALT in hot water in the bath lay in the tub for an hour and it will take care of that in the future
2007-08-28 04:12:27 · answer #6 · answered by peterhoule@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everybody above says dehydration, electrolytes, etc. But have you changed your bike fit lately? If so, you may be putting stress on muscles that have not been stressed until now.
2007-08-28 07:13:18 · answer #7 · answered by Jay P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure where you live, but in extreme heat the need for water really increases. Please take care of yourself and drink extra water! Bananas, oranges, kiwi, + other potassium rich foods will help, but mainly the water.
2007-08-28 04:12:25 · answer #8 · answered by Chatty GIrl 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a charley horse....You're probably dehydrated and in need of a quick dose of potassium....
2007-08-28 04:08:19 · answer #9 · answered by lillllbit 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
these are all true, i would add electrolytes to the potassium as well though.
2007-08-28 05:56:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋