Health Tips : Muscle cramps

By Winston Salem in : Fitness Tips // Sep 2 2010

Cramping can be so frustrating, and as you said, uncomfortable. Regrettably, no one fully understands what causes muscle cramps.

Factors that contribute to cramping include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, overexertion, and/or inadequate fitness/conditioning.

Is it possible that the sort of exercise you are doing is a cause? Think about your exercise routine and examine your patterns.

Are you doing specific exercises that stretch the muscles in the buttocks? If so, how often and for how long do you participate in these exercises?

Could you change your regimens to see when it’s the type or amount of exercise that could be causing your muscle distress? You may also try adding stretching routines before and after you exercise.

It is interesting that your nighttime calf cramps disappeared when you introduced a sports drink as a post workout strategy.

That could lend a possible explanation – perhaps you’re dehydrated and/or have an electrolyte imbalance, in particular of sodium, potassium, and calcium.

A low sodium eating plan, coupled with high perspiration losses or with persistent vomiting/diarrhea, can deplete your body of sodium.

Potassium deficiency isn’t likely to be the result of sweat loss; notwithstanding, the result of both a sodium and potassium deficiency may be muscle cramping.

A number of sports nutritionists will also cite a lack of calcium as a contributor to cramping.

Another approach could be to experiment with your consuming plan – perhaps increase your salt (pretzels, olives, nuts, salami), potassium (bananas, oatmeal, potatoes), and calcium (milk, yogurt, fortified orange juice) intake to see if you notice any changes.

Also attempt to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, specifically in the hours leading up to a workout.

An easy way to check hydration is to notice the color of your urine. Clear, light urine reveals a more hydrated body than dark, orange urine. .

When these suggestions don’t work, your condition gets worse, or it’s severe enough to interfere with your daily life, it’s probably time to consult your health care provider.