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+--- Thread: Instant Relief for Leg Cramp (/showthread.php?tid=15779)
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Instant Relief for Leg Cramp - kap - 07-25-2006
I thought I was well-prepared for the long ride in the heat by drinking lots of fluid, i.e. Gatorate and juice; eating Cliff energy bars and Cliff blocks. Still, the past Saturday in the middle of a 50 mile bicycle ride I had muscle cramp in both of my inner thighs. I made it home but I was extremely tired. I had to skip an easy 15 mile ride the next day. Now what did not I do right? And what I should do better for this coming Saturday ride? TiA
Kap
Re: Instant Relief for Leg Cramp - jimbrady - 07-25-2006
Stretching? It sounds obvious, but I know I never do enough limbering up before a grueling workout.
Re: Instant Relief for Leg Cramp - mattkime - 07-25-2006
You need to stop, relax, and stretch when you cramp up. Its annoying and difficult to deal with because most other pain you should work through. There is no sense in trying to work through a crap if its causing you a good deal of pain.
Did you ride much further than normal?
Re: Instant Relief for Leg Cramp - iaJim - 07-25-2006
I agree, no need of trying to work through a crap....
Re: Instant Relief for Leg Cramp - kap - 07-25-2006
Jimbrady,
I always stretch in the morning before a ride. Then soak my feet after a ride.
mattkime and iajim,
I did stop to briefly to shake off. Initially, I had a little difficult getting off the bike also because the toes from both legs froze stiff ... charlies' horse? That was the painful part. Once I was off the bike, I massaged my inner thighs. It wasn't painful; it felt more a like an uncomfortable tight pull.
Kap
Re: Instant Relief for Leg Cramp - michaelb - 07-25-2006
Was this really a cramp or was it leg pain? A cramp is when muscles on both sides of the limb contract at the same time. Usually, you be in extreme pain and unable to move. It is not the sort of thing I would expect while biking. Cramping would be a sign of an electrolyte inbalance or dehydration. I don't think there is any magic cure for cramps in any sport.
Muscle pain in the legs on a long ride would be more expected. Acute intense pain indicates something is going on. Have you done many 50 mile rides? I would try to change body positions regularly during the ride. Use different hand positions periodically; move back and forth on the saddle, etc. I would make sure your seat height is properly adjusted (too low could really hurt after a while). I would look at the seat angle too and try to adjust that (sloping down to the front would put extra pressure on the legs I think), and/or consider replacing or changing the seat itself.
Re: Instant Relief for Leg Cramp - BigGuynRusty - 07-25-2006
[quote mattkime]There is no sense in trying to work through a crap if its causing you a good deal of pain.
I agree MattKime, if you try to work while crapping, your coworkers will not be happy.
BGnR
Re: Instant Relief for Leg Cramp - Dennis S - 07-25-2006
I had one 2 nights ago in my thigh and took a calcium/magnesium tablet and it went right away.
Re: Instant Relief for Leg Cramp - Effin Haole - 07-25-2006
Eat more bananas.
Re: Instant Relief for Leg Cramp - kap - 07-25-2006
michaelb,
You are right. The cramp occured after I wiggled my toes on both legs. That was when they were 'stuck' in twisted awkward positions. I had to painfully twisted the toes back into normal positions.
As for the pulling sensation on my inner thighs. That happened after the toes' cramp. It wasn't a sharp pain; it was a dull one. It went away after the massage.
My bike isn't a standard upright bike; it's a lightweight recumbent (www.lightningbikes.com). It's a type of bicycle that requires only leg work.
=====
Dennis S and EH,
I thought about Calcium/Magnesium defficiency as well. Since I don't care for bananas, I will have to look for it in other fruits, liquid or energy bar type of supplement.
Kap