Help with Running Cramps

Running cramps, particularly running calf cramps, afflict everyone from the person going out for a morning jog, to elite athletes. And it's not just runners that get cramps they can be a factor in any sport - tennis, swimming, golf, cycling and triathlon. This site is dedicated to sharing ideas and information between sports people, athletes, health practitioners, anyone who enjoys training - for the best ways to prevent, avoid and treat muscle cramp.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Can Mustard Help You With Your Leg Cramps?

It doesn't work for everyone, but one of my readers swears by the beneficial effects of mustard to relieve leg cramps in the middle of the night.

In fact, he thinks it is so effective, he keeps a small sachet of yellow mustard beside his bedside table so he can take it quickly in the middle of the night.

In fact we know of many people who use yellow mustard to relieve leg cramps. There's no science behind this to explain why, but if it works for you, does there have to be a reason?

If mustard doesn't work for you, then you might try The Ultimate Cramp Busting Guide
where we show you 11 different ways you can treat, prevent and eliminate your running calf cramps and leg cramps.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Medical News: Restless Legs Syndrome Linked to Cardiovascular Disease - in Neurology, General Neurology from MedPage Today

Medical News: Restless Legs Syndrome Linked to Cardiovascular Disease - in Neurology, General Neurology from MedPage Today

Just because the two health issues appear linked, doesn't mean that one causes the other.

Restless leg syndrome is most likely caused by a combination of poor diet and nutritional plan and inadequate exercise - the same risk factors for many diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis etc.

The trick to preventing leg cramps, running calf cramps and perhaps many other unrelated diseases is to focus on healthy living - plenty of fresh food, daily low impact exercise, eliminate most of the 'bad things' (caffeine, alcohol, sugar to name a few).

Leg Cramps & Calf Cramps - Riding the Charley Horse

A thought provoking article on leg cramps at night

Sure there are many theories about why people get leg cramps, especially calf cramps, at night.

People most affected are seniors and people who have a heavy training schedule.

While there may be many causes for cramp, remember having serious calf cramps and leg cramps isn't all doom and gloom - because there are also many opportunities for cure :)

The trick is to 'stay healthy' . . . and just because you may be fit, doesn't mean you are in good health.

Healthy circulation, healthy muscle tone through low impact exercise, healthy nutritional plan through eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables (and a supplement plan to top up those extra minerals lost through sweat / not absorbed as well as we get older) and a healthy treatment plan (including how to self massage) are all part of the cure for leg cramps and calf cramps at night.

Right workout, diet may help run an extra mile

Right workout, diet may help run an extra mile

When it comes to running cramps, this article is pretty sensible and has some great tips at the end:
* Make sure you get adequate rest the night before the race. Eat a dinner rich in carbohydrates as that is your main fuel for exercise. The only point I would add here is to be careful you get some complex carbohydrates (found in vegetables, grains, nuts etc) and also make sure you don't have too much carbohydrate at the expense of protein and fat - which have an important role to play in the energy cycle.
* Have a light breakfast before leaving home. Arrive at the start point at least an hour before the start time to avoid last minute anxiety and chaos. Remember not to burn up too much energy in pre-race activities and anxiety.
* During the race, run at your own pace. Avoid getting carried away by those around. To do this you must have a good training program specifically for the event - for example, it's no use training on a flat course if there are a lot of hills - this is inviting leg and calf cramp.
* Consume water or any other oral dehydration fluid supplied at each water station along the way. If you know your rate of fluid loss (we show you how to do this in the Ultimate Cramp Busting Guide), then you can plan your hydration strategy.
* If you experience any chest discomfort, unusual shortness of breath, nausea or giddiness during the race, stop and take rest for a few minutes. Seek medical help if the discomfort persists more than a few minutes. This may also be a good time to try some self massage of any leg cramps.
* Write down your emergency contact number at the back of your running bib
* Stuff in some apricots in pockets and eat them at halts. A great idea to prevent leg cramps and running calf cramps! I also recommend electrolyte sachets you can add to water.