How to treat cramp and stop getting it.

[richardbadge]

Hi,

I am now starting week 4 and by some miracle made it to the start of the 2nd 5 min run, but as soon as I started I got a sharp pain down my right calf, which I assume is cramp. I could not carry on running and managed to walk home. I have tried stretching my calf is still very tight and still hurts to walk.

How do I treat it, ice pach, stretching etc?

I assume it will be OK to run again when the cramp has gone?

How do I stop getting cramp next time?

I have managed to get this far and don't want to stop it now.

Thanks in advance.

[AliB1 Graduate]

I've been lucky and not suffered from cramp since starting the programme. When I've had cramp in the past once it's gone it shouldn't be still hurting.

If I were you I'd use ice pack and do some gentle stretching. Recommend that you don't run if it still hurts (not to be confused with the general aches we get from using new muscles)

To avoid in the future would make sure you are properly hydrated before going out. Even more important in this weather!!!

[richardbadge]

Thanks for advice, it is still hurting now, so not sure if it is a strain and not just cramp. I have taken your advice and put an ice pack on it.

[Skandia Graduate in reply to richardbadge]

exact same happened to me yesterday. I thought it was cramp but am still limping. Think its actually a mild strain of the calf muscle. Ice 20 minues every 4 hours and rest until better. Really disappointed its spoiling my routine

Hope you have a speedy recovery!

[Mumtum]

I've heard eating bananas is a good way of preventing cramp - if that's what the pain is. I believe it's something to do with being deficient in potassium and bananas having lots of the stuff.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

I used to get leg cramps and doctor told me to drink tonic water (good brand) with quinine in it. Britvic is the one that I drink. Quinine was used by prisoners of war out in the far east to help relieve the pain of stomach cramps when they were struck down dysentery also treatment for malaria. If you don't like the taste as its a little bitter add some dilute orange juice or better still a small vodka!! I try and have a tonic every day, Lydl has them on special offer just now I think they were only £1.68 for 8 small cans.

The other thing is make sure you are well hydrated before you start your run and don't stretch before run but stretchings after is good.

Hope it settles soon, perhaps a long moderate walk before you try to run again would be a good idea.

[Greg_M Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

That's interesting about the tonic water I never knew that. I love tonic water except that it makes me thirsty and I need another drink afterwards....well that's my story and I am sticking to it.

[projo30below]

Tonic water and bananas are definitely said to help, also Vitamin E supplements can work as cramps can be caused by a deficiency. Cramps are often caused by dehydration which I see often in scuba divers so always encourage people to drink plenty of water and if necessary try a rehydration sachet. I sometimes suffer from bad calf cramps during exercise and at night and have found (although I might get frowned upon for saying this) that adding a little salt to my diet every now and again has helped

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Forgot about the salt. Doctor told me to give both our boys a bag of salted crisps and a long drink of juice when they used to get cramp after football practice etc. He put it down to growing pains, I guess they were, growing and pains some times!

[richardbadge]

Thanks everyone again for the advice. It is not cramp as it still hurst now (3 days after) so assume it is a mild strain. I have been following the RICE plan when I can, so have been putting ice on it in the evening.

Hopefully will be better in a few days to start brisk walking again, but will make sure I am fully hydrated and have a banana before I go.