Calf Cramps

Hi all

Was out on the bike today only for an hour and a half but on the way back home i was crossing a busy road so had to do a little sprint on the way across the road. But halfway across i got a serious cramp in my calf muscle on my right leg. Had to take it very easy the rest of the way home and keep taking my foot out of my pedal and moving my leg around. This has happened a few times before but never this bad, and anytime it has happened i was easily able to ride it out by just slowing down for a bit, stretching and then i'd be back up to speed but today was the worse ever !

Anyone any idea why this happened or what i can do to prevent it happening again ? Should just say that a 1 and half hour spin is short for me i'd usually do 2 to 3 + hrs.

Thanks in advance

__________________
EasyDoesIt

Its hard to tell. Lack of water maybe. You may just need to recover, take a warm bath.

Not to say this is your problem, but cramping is said to be often the result of low potassium; you might try adding some bananas to your diet?

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldGoat Not to say this is your problem, but cramping is said to be often the result of low potassium; you might try adding some bananas to your diet?

I thinks that true, but I happen to eat sand and **** glass . jk

No ideas as to the exact cause in your case. But the common causes are,

1) Inadequately adapted cycling muscle for the situation... Ride more.
2) Dehydration... Drink more during your 1.5hr ride.
3) Mineral depletion... Select sports drinks that contains K and Mg in particular.
4) Other medical issues (rare).

__________________
Morphed Bianchi Camaleonte IV 2006, Ridley Damocles 2006, Garmin, Mac

I vote low calcium although cramps in my calf ussually hit me earlier in the ride when I am low in calcium. I tried calcium citrate and the problem went away.

__________________
Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. http://www.earnharts.com/html/realau...cific.asp?id=3

For me the solution to chronic cramping was quinine tablets.

Solved my problem within 6 hours of taking the first tablet. Climbing stairs would give the feeling of cramping in my calves, it was that bad.

Thanks very much for all the replies. Now i actually think about it i was very thirsty before i went out and during the spin i was very thirsty too, like was only half way through the spin and started on my second bottle of water which i don't usually need on such a short spin. Will try drinking more water and if that doesn't work i'll start eating more bananas, once again thanks for all the replies !

__________________
EasyDoesIt

Just a little update, tried drinking more water, especially before i go out on the bike and i've no more cramps, thanks everyone for your help !

__________________
EasyDoesIt

Is it possible to drink too much? I think that may be my problem. Am I diluting the mineral ratio or concentration.

Drinking too much is possible to cause other problems As far as I know eg. The recent death of a Sacremento girl who killed herself in a radio station's Drink for Wii competition. But by common wisdom, rehydration by plain water is fine for exercises within 1-2 hours as the body has sufficient capacity to naturally regulate. Anything longer should have progressively more considerations for both the rate of fluid intake and salt/energy replacement.

__________________
Morphed Bianchi Camaleonte IV 2006, Ridley Damocles 2006, Garmin, Mac