Hamstring problem

[Wardy]

After a recent 40+ mile cycle I did my usual gentle stretches then had a shower. A wee while later, while relaxing in a chair I got terrific cramp in my left hamstring. My wife told me to stand on something cold (I used the garage floor!) and that got rid of the cramp. But since then I've had a sort of constant cramp "memory" in the muscle if that makes sense. And now, when I'm about three miles into a ride the left side of my bum feels uncomfortable on the saddle and my left hamstring starts to feel tight. This gets progressively worse (and painful) if I try to pile on the pressure but eases a bit if I slow down and spin. I haven't had the cramp again but the discomfort and affect on my performance is frustrating. I'm 67 and pretty fit. Grateful for any ideas.

 

[LiveStrong]

I would try rest and stretch gently until it is back to normal, i have had that too and it is not pleasant at all

 

[Zoiders]

Have you been cutting salt out of your diet?

 

[Wardy]

I would try rest and stretch gently until it is back to normal, i have had that too and it is not pleasant at all

Thanks Livestrong. Did you have to stop cycling at all? How long did yours last?

 

[Wardy]

Have you been cutting salt out of your diet?

I don't normally ADD salt to my diet Zoiders. My LBS told me to stop just drinking water though (and I've often been a bit dilatory about drinking regularly during a ride) and use an electrolyte instead. Thing is, I don't have any problem with the left hamstring.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Just a thought. I am wondering if you have managed to trap a nerve somehow????

Another random thought - You saddle. Is is new? It is "possible" that the left side is slightly damaged and thus is providing less support.

 

[Wardy]

Just a thought. I am wondering if you have managed to trap a nerve somehow????

Another random thought - You saddle. Is is new? It is "possible" that the left side is slightly damaged and thus is providing less support.

The trapped nerve idea is a good possibility I suppose as this seems to have happened some time after I was knocked off my bike by a taxi, but I landed on my right side then. It manifests itself on both my road bike and hybrid stock saddles (which aren't new) and which previously I found quite comfortable.

 

[Wardy]

I don't normally ADD salt to my diet Zoiders. My LBS told me to stop just drinking water though (and I've often been a bit dilatory about drinking regularly during a ride) and use an electrolyte instead. Thing is, I don't have any problem with the left hamstring.

What an idiot! I meant my RIGHT hamstring of course.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Is it possible you are favouring the left side of your body (rather like a limp will put additional pressure on the good leg)?

Best bet would be to see a Dr and get an appointment with a specialist if needed.

The trapped nerve idea is a good possibility I suppose as this seems to have happened some time after I was knocked off my bike by a taxi, but I landed on my right side then. It manifests itself on both my road bike and hybrid stock saddles (which aren't new) and which previously I found quite comfortable.

 

[Wardy]

Is it possible you are favouring the left side of your body (rather like a limp will put additional pressure on the good leg)?

Best bet would be to see a Dr and get an appointment with a specialist if needed.

I'm not aware of favouring my left side, and apart from minor cuts and bruises I didn't seem to have any significant after-effects from the accident. But as you say, it might be a good idea to see the quack.