Cramps problem.

[Richards123]

hi guys i am new at running and i have been facing cramps with my leg after running. What do you guys think I should do?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

I am no medical expert but I have heard from experts cramp can be had by not drinking enough water, or possibly you are running a little too fast, if the cramp continues seek official medical advice.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Hi, I would ask 3 things .Are you fully hydrated (drinking over 2.5 litres a day , even on non run days )?

Are you doing the Dynamic warm up excercises?

runnersworld.com/health-inj...

Are you doing the afterrun stretches ?

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/h...

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

If you are new to running then it is wise to build up using a proven progressive training plan, such as Couch to 5k, which this forum is dedicated to.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Drink more water and take calcium supplements

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Cramp can be caused by too little salt, I know we are always told to cut back on salt but if you are sweating a lot you can lose salt...tonic water can help cramp too.

[nowster Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

On a hot and sweaty day, I'll sometimes eat a packet of crisps to get the salt.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Pickle juice is said to be good for cramps, but essentially its replacing the salts lost. As already said, hydration and stretching is key, hydration above all else. Amazing what a glass of water can achieve!

Following a plan like the c25k gives your body chance to adapt slowly. As someone who hates to be told how to do things I struggled with the idea of a plan but it works and it's good to learn self control by doing as you're told (however uncomfortable that part might be 🤣)