Q: Cure for Calf Cramps?
Flesh,
This week, during my warmups, before/during stretching, after just a few minutes of running in place and jumping jacks, my calves start to cramp up. I have been told that this could be a potassium deficiency, but I eat a banana every morning… what do you think is up with my shiz?
–P90x Fan
A:
What up P90x Fan,
Those videos are awesome, by the way. Your problem is really common, so lets gitter fixed. For most people I know, the issue is either dehydration, too much protein, or low salt intake. Try this: drink 16oz of water as soon as you wake up, before breakfast, like right when you get up to pee. Never eat anything without having some water with it. Chances are, this will be enough to fix it.
If cramps still get you…if you don’t have a medical condition forbidding sodium, sprinkle some salt on your food to help you retain the water better (don’t worry, you won’t puff up or anything). Be aware that high protein diets cause the body to lose fluid, making it really really tough to stay hydrated. Its not impossible though. You can do this! Its Hydration X baby!
-Lauren
Lauren. I have been getting leg cramps in runs of 1/2 marathon or longer pretty consistently the past few years. I’ve tried everything…drinking at water stops, gels, potassium tablets before I run, and lots of bananas. Am I missing anything??? I’m not too proud to wear compressions socks. I love the long runs, so want to be able to keep on going. BTW. YOU Rocked in the trials. That was true inspiration. You’ll be back!
Jeff (J.Crew)
Hey Jeff, thanks for the message! Compression is worth trying for sure. You might need to use shoes with a higher heal lift. Minimal is in style right now and everything, but this puts additional strain on your calves and plantars. You can always use a higher heal lift shoe just for longer runs and stay minimal on the shorter stuff. I highly recommend the new Nike Pegasus or Vomero shoes. I always run my longer runs in shoes like these, or the Lunarglides.
Another thing to consider if these things don’t work is to see someone who specializes in ART (active release therapy). You might have some limited range of motion in the ankle and feet that puts undue strain on your calves that tips the scales when you go over 12 miles or so. 1-3 treatments of that and you could be quickly cured. I’ve seen John Ball in Phoenix fix problems like this practically overnight for tons of people.
Let us know if any of these things work ok? I’m sure other people will be as interested as I am.
Good luck!
Lauren