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calf cramp
Anyone have a decent answer to calf cramp? Started training for a half marathon after years of not doing much except golf. Cross trainer is fine & can get up abut 45 mins. Went for a run first time & felt like someone had shot me in the back of the leg after about 400 yds! Carried on for a bit until the other one went & had to walk back like John Wayne. Tried a few times since - a bit better with loads of stretches first & ice after but still in agony for days.At this rate I will be 78 by the time I can run this half marathon .Just read a bit about arnica gel - is it any good?
Yes the sudden use of your calves while running is going to cause extreme fatigue in the muscle and muscle soreness, but cramping will be assosiated to a differnet problem.
Just as Tuckamore stated the electolite balance could be off in your body. The need for sodium and potassium is important but if it is unbalanced, we get cramping in the calves or Hamstrings. We need sodium for our energy but most peoples diet is much to high in sodium and way to low in potassium.
Hydration is also another cause of cramping as she stated above. I tell my clients that get cramping: stretch, drink a class of water and eat a banana or potatoe (or other potassium rich foods).
Just as Tuckamore stated the electolite balance could be off in your body. The need for sodium and potassium is important but if it is unbalanced, we get cramping in the calves or Hamstrings. We need sodium for our energy but most peoples diet is much to high in sodium and way to low in potassium.
Hydration is also another cause of cramping as she stated above. I tell my clients that get cramping: stretch, drink a class of water and eat a banana or potatoe (or other potassium rich foods).
Hi Jeff,
Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us. I am also sorry that you are having such pain in your calves.
Molly is correct. The older we get the longer it takes to get our engines started....or in your case your marathon legs going.
Are you hydrating well? I'm sure you know that good hydration is key to successful training. There are many new sports drinks out that will increase the vitamins and minerals that our bodies demand when you compel them to perform. I encourage you to read the labels and select one that is right for your training.
Once you injure a muscle and that can happen from placing too much demand on an normally resting one, it will take time for it to heal. So go very slow after allowing it several days of rest and applying ice. Once it has rested than start slow and use heat.
You are not "old" in any sense of the word. However your muscles may be a bit out of shape when it comes to running a marathon. I am confident you can do this and admire your strength and commitment. I wish I could join you.
Please let us know how you are doing. I'll look forward to your updates. Peace, Tuck
Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us. I am also sorry that you are having such pain in your calves.
Molly is correct. The older we get the longer it takes to get our engines started....or in your case your marathon legs going.
Are you hydrating well? I'm sure you know that good hydration is key to successful training. There are many new sports drinks out that will increase the vitamins and minerals that our bodies demand when you compel them to perform. I encourage you to read the labels and select one that is right for your training.
Once you injure a muscle and that can happen from placing too much demand on an normally resting one, it will take time for it to heal. So go very slow after allowing it several days of rest and applying ice. Once it has rested than start slow and use heat.
You are not "old" in any sense of the word. However your muscles may be a bit out of shape when it comes to running a marathon. I am confident you can do this and admire your strength and commitment. I wish I could join you.
Please let us know how you are doing. I'll look forward to your updates. Peace, Tuck
Hi Jeff:
Look at it this way, It's like taking a cold engine and trying to excelerate to 80 mph in a matter of seconds. Your muscles feel and react the same way. It will take time to condition the calf muscles for such a marathon. As we get older, our bodys don't warm up as fast. Be patient.
I have not heard about the cream your talking about. I'm sure you will find some good info on the web.
Best regards,
Mollyrae
Look at it this way, It's like taking a cold engine and trying to excelerate to 80 mph in a matter of seconds. Your muscles feel and react the same way. It will take time to condition the calf muscles for such a marathon. As we get older, our bodys don't warm up as fast. Be patient.
I have not heard about the cream your talking about. I'm sure you will find some good info on the web.
Best regards,
Mollyrae
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