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cramping up??? what to do?

MAggie's picture
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1036 days
started by MAggie on May 21, 2006

It seems that alwasy at the most inopportune time that I will cramp up. Usually it is when I'm swimming after about 800m that the outside of my arch and the toe next to my pinky toe will just seize up :eek: and I've tried stopping and trying to stretch out but that hurts worse than just swimming with it.

Also, when on my bike sometimes one of my hips will just get this crushing pain on the outside dead center. It has done it at various points during rides, so I'm not sure if there is anything that will trigger it.

Are there any foods that I should put more of in my diet or supplements that I should take or anything else that you would recommend to help this from occuring. I do plenty of stretching before hand but if there's something that I'm not thinking of please let me know.

thanks,

To quote my buddy the BlueAssed Biker: "Don't think about it, just do it." - PrinceofClydes

dr_rios_ec's picture
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dr_rios_ec posted 2 years ago.

Hello MAggie:
Sounds to me like you are suffering from continuos cramping, and that is something that everyone of us had experienced and is really disastrous and painful. :(
Potassium rich foods is something that you should put more attention in your diet, and also liquids....
Try bananas, the classic potassium fruit...sometimes I go through plenty of them during my day.....maybe trying one before your workout might help. Also when I ride for long distances I bring some in my jersey back pokets....Gels have also a good amount of K....
In general fruits are a good source. Sport drinks are good fast sources.....and go both ways....replenishing electrolytes and fluids. Streching is good...is always good....but a little twist in your diet can make a huge difference....
After a hard and long trainning session, like endurance swimming, a long ride or run, try some massage, that will easy up your muscles to avoid keeping then too tense for your next trainning session. Icing or hot therapy will go good too.
Hope this helps ;)

-Santiago
"Man!! Defeat is worse than dying, cause´you have to live with it" -My Dad
"It ain´t about how hard you can hit...it is how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward"-Rocky Balboa

Iron Man's picture
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Iron Man posted 2 years ago.

Everything dr_rios_ec said is true
i have had good luck with an isotonic magnesium powder, you mix it with water and it helps prevents cramping. then take it on your ride etc. Comes in a range of flavours. I know the best one in Aust is Endura not sure if they are overseas, but look it up.

Alternatively try getting magnesium phosphate tablets, take them before bed and sessions, they work a treat!

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RV's picture
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RV posted 2 years ago.

Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes
http://www.trisports.com/hanuen.html

These work great.

RV

It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss

RV's picture
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RV posted 2 years ago.

Sorry ---hit the submit twice...

RV

It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss

jsoder's picture
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jsoder posted 2 years ago.

My fiance had the same problem. Not necessarily on the swim, but on long bike rides. We kept thinking that it was a potassium deficiency, but the cramps kept coming back. One of the local roadies told us that it was most likely a magnesium deficiency. She bought some Hammer E-Caps and hasn't had any problems since. (not promoting their products...just not sure who else makes a formula like this)

Read this article:
http://www.hammernutrition.com.au/articles-electrolyte.htm

As far as the swimming goes, I sometimes get a cramp in my foot too. Have you ever pointed your toes pretty strenously and it causes a cramp in the arch of your foot? Well, that is what sometimes happens to me when swimming if I am pointing my toes for a long time. I haven't found a way to stop it, other than to not point so hard.

Jeremy

dr_rios_ec's picture
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dr_rios_ec posted 2 years ago.

Very true guys about magnesium.
It is an important mineral for a good metabolic functioning of a working muscle. Say it in another way...a system running low on magnesium tends to be fatigue easily, and faster, racking the resto of the balance of the muscle cell. That is why for example Gatorade Endurance formula comes with a better dosage of magnesium. The tablets and powders recomended are the best source of fast replenishment.

-Santiago
"Man!! Defeat is worse than dying, cause´you have to live with it" -My Dad
"It ain´t about how hard you can hit...it is how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward"-Rocky Balboa