I am quite prone to cramps in my legs, mainly my calves but also my thighs.
The main problem is my calves. Physical activity that involves alot of squatting or awkard leg positions is most likely to bring it on, however it can occur from almost anything if the right conditions are met.
For example I cycle alot and have gotten calf cramp twice while riding, both times were when I put my foot down awkwardly on tip toe and the leg just went immediately into cramp with no warning.
Swimming can sometimes bring it on, the free floating feeling seems to be the cause there rather than the movements involved.
Most of the time I get a second or two warning to straighten my leg, but sometimes it just goes right into cramp.
While the thigh cramps are very annoying and frustrating, the calf cramps are total knockouts.
The sheer agony of them is probably the most painful thing ive experienced. If they occur, I can do nothing for upto 5 minutes except lie on the floor and think about the pain.
To top off the horrendous experience, my calf will be very stiff and painful for several hours afterwards and prone to recramping if I am not very careful. My whole day/evening is ruined.
I have read up on some of the common solutions such as drinking plenty of water, salt intake, stretching before exercise but they have no effect. If you will forgive the self diagnosis, I seem to be naturally more susceptible to them than most.
Can you enlighten me to more possible measures to deal with cramps?.
Thank you for your time and advice.