Calf cramps.

[TopCat]

Please help.
Has anyone previously suffered calf cramps whilst running?
I have started, and stopped because of these.
Is it something you get through?
Has anyone used compression socks, do they work?
Any help appreciated.

[Sidney1st]

Are you stretching enough before running?

I had a similar issue and it turned out I wasn't warming up properly before I started.

[ashtonlongsider]

Make sure you keep hydrated. Seems obvious but surprised how much body fluid you can lose on a run.

[evensteadiereddie]

Stretch, definitely. Have you looked at your running shoes - are they a decent pair suited for your gait, weight and so on ?

[Bertiebeehead]

Just leave the calf at home, I'm not sure that much exercise is recommended for bovines.

[Foulthrow]

I use to get it all the time. I didn't change anything but it suddenly stopped and has (fingers crossed) not returned. And if anything I don't warm up half as much as used to when I got the cramps. So work that out.

The only real thing I've changed is I've cut out caffeine - but not for this reason - whether its related though?

[TVC15]

Could be a number of things - i`ve pulled my calf a few times recently but that`s 40 plus years of playing football catching up on me.

Definitely need to stretch and warm up - in the house before you set off preferably whilst its still cold weather outside. You could also be dehydrated - depends how far you are running before you get these cramps.

Compressed 3/4 tights or socks should help - but you need to get decent ones (e.g. SKINS). The correct trainers are important as pointed out - you need to avoid anything like Samba where there is no give as you need the cushion of running trainers when you are pounding concrete roads.

The other thing is that you could have pulled / strained your calf which means you need to rest it for a few weeks / see a physio.

So in summary - could be loads of things but start with a good stretch, making sure you are hydrated and decent trainers first of all and see if that works. If not go and see a physio (e.g. Physiofusion on Bank Parade) and they should diagnose it.

[Chobulous]

Stop running, sit down and have a beer. Works for me.

[MACCA]

I get really bad stomach ache ( not a stitch ), more so if going down hill for some reason.
It's right on the waist line, slightly to the left. ( similar to the feeling you get when you've been kicked in the spuds )
I've tried running on an empty stomach, an hour after food, stretching more, stretching less and decreasing my pace and/or distance.

Other than just being fat/unfit is there anything I could do or as anyone had similar problems?

[aggi]

Calf stretches not just before running but every day can help.

[Shappie]

Rolling is good. Use a 6" drainpipe if you can instead of the commercial "foam rollers"

Also, go do a "recovery run" after every temp run / speed session. Opens the capillaries, gets oxygenated blood to the muscles and also gets rid of the lactic

[minnieclaret]

How far is your run? Is it coming on because you have over exerted yourself?
Many questions but work your way through all mentioned and you'll find it.
If you are going long the hydration is a good starting point and take some tictacs. Weigh nowt and quick sugar boost.

[TopCat]

Wanted to start off with 5K runs and build up to 10K, so nothing extreme.
Will take on board all comments and see how they all help.
All part of doing the Burnley to Bournemouth cycle.
Just wanted a different type of training session, as I don't tend to have the same issues whilst cycling.
Thanks.

[FulledgeClaret]

Indian Tonic water it contains higher levels of Quinine taste like **** but is very effective at reducing/stopping muscle cramp.

[Shappie]

Is that true Fulledge? I might try that

[FulledgeClaret]

yes its very good for it.

its a well used and effective medical treatment for leg cramps
https://patient.info/medicine/quinine-for-leg-cramps" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.cochrane.org/CD005044/NEUROM ... cle-cramps" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/legcrampsu ... tment.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It can have side effects if you take too much but in the tonic water its at lower levels than prescription quinine so you would have to drink gallons of it to OD on it.

[Funkydrummer]

I don't do any running, but I have started getting calf cramps for no apparent reason and unfortunately
they can last for days.

I obviously don't know your age but if you are taking statins then this could be the cause of your cramps.
I'm off to the docs to see if I can sort it out.

See link below for explanation, and good luck in resolving your problem.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-cond ... t-20046013" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[FulledgeClaret]

Not taking any meds, initially had leg cramps due to a back injury yrs ago but since I started on quinine not had any even after some running, if you are prescribed quinine tabs which is likely I would say take the first course for immediate relief and a good strong starting doseage then go onto tonic water and see how you get on. This is what your doc might say to try at first as that's what mine told me.

[Shappie]

Can you get quinine tabs without prescription?

[FulledgeClaret]

Don't think you can, but there in enough in Indian tonic water and bitter lemon to make a difference in my experience.

from a quick look online 300ml of tonic water contains roughly a 20mg dose of quinine doctors prescribe 200 or 300mg tablets 1 a day and won't prescribe for long periods of use due to its dangers/side effects.