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[cazzam16]

Not a good start to the week, Does anyone have good advice for cramp in the calf muscle while running ?? 25 mins into my run today and it hit out of the blue, never had it before, don't even know what caused it, it certainly wasn't from over exertion, lol, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[misswobble Graduate]

It can be down to dehydration possibly. A few grains if sea salt in your water bottle is a good idea, as is drinking plenty of water during the day to ensure you’re always hydrated

[cazzam16 Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thanks, I suspected that this might be it, I hardly drank anything on Sunday, which is very unusual for me, will have to remember this and put a bit of salt in my water bottle.

[Denovo]

I've not had it while running, but used to get it a lot in bed, in calves and feet. The immediate thing to do to relieve it is to stretch the affected muscle, which seems both impossible and horrendous but works! It's thought mineral deficiencies, above all magnesium, but also calcium and potassium contribute to cramp. Choosing a supplement that contains minerals as well as vitamins helped me a lot. I also buy the sugar-free flavoured tablets that are added to water to make an electrolyte drink (much cheaper than bottled sports drinks) and have a glass occasionally after a run, especially when it's hot, and take some out in a bottle if I'm going for a longer walk.

[cazzam16 Graduate in reply to Denovo]

Thank you, I've actually just been diagnosed with low potassium, so maybe that's got something to do with it, I've never had cramps in my legs before and found it quite painful, lol, so ready to try anything as I can still feel now two hours after my run.

[misswobble Graduate in reply to cazzam16]

Bananas then 😃. I keep water beside my bed at the moment as I wake up thirsty on these hot nights.

Incidentally, you risk injury if you are not well hydrated