Whats Wrong With Me Getting Cramp all the Time

[apollo179]

Goodness - still the same of b*****ks re: cramps (1)


Studies of cramping and not cramping athletes in the same events have shown that there is no difference in the electrolyte content/ratio/any other measurable parameter between the groups. For most athletes and cyclists, the biggest cause of cramps seems to be lack of conditioning - i.e. you went out and did more / went harder than you were trained to do.

So just gt out there and get the miles in, OK


Occasionally and particularly for some specific people, they are neurological indications for some types of cramps and it may be possible to prevent these by means of odd exercises (and I mean odd - there's one for specific toe cramps where you twist your foot to one side, flex the big toe up and the other toes down before repeating by twisting the foot in the opposite direction and flexing the big toe down and the other toes up. Most people I know don't have that sort of muscular control )


(1) Apologies Lukesdad - you hit the nail on the head

Thanks for replies.
As said it does seem to be inexplicable - 80miles with no cramp and then cramp on both 70 and subsequent 55miles. Anyway im exploring the riding position and the electrolyte options. Fingers crossed.

 

[Rowena]

I would take the time to read this if I were you and maybe stay away from acidic, oxidising drinks such as lucozade:

http://www.sportsscientists.com/2007/11/muscle-cramps-part-1-theories-and.html

There is actually very little evidence that cramps are caused by a lack of salt. I personally found that drinking ionised water helped no end and since trying it for the first time 3 months ago have not looked back (and have not needed to rely on sports drinks to get through training)
Ionised water is micro clustered and therefore superhydrating - hitting the muscles and other body parts whereit is needed most instead of sitting in the stomach. it will get right into the cells where it is needed most. It is also alkaline, which means it can negate any build up of lactic and pyruvic acid, increasing endurance :-)

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

for me, it is how warm my legs are that controls 'cramp' like feelings especially if I wake up with them in the night - usually my lower legs are simply not warm enough even though the rest of me is. the rest is that I rarely ride in shorts or knickers, usually only tights. that resolves the issue for me, usually.