Cramp

[Roobie1974]

just wondering if anyone can help me out after around five to ten miles I always seem to start getting cramp in my calves have I got something set up wrong or just dogey legs lol

 

[Tenacious Sloth]

I used to suffer with calf cramps when I first started commuting last year.

I found that putting an electrolyte tablet in my water bottle has meant that I haven't had a cramp since.

Graham

 

[screenman]

I used to suffer with calf cramps when I first started commuting last year.

I found that putting an electrolyte tablet in my water bottle has meant that I haven't had a cramp since.

Graham

Or you got fitter.

 

[boydj]

I'd look at setup - particularly saddle height - and also think about technique i.e. how hard are you trying, have you warmed up properly before pushing hard, are you pushing a big gear or 'spinning' in an easier gear etc? The first few miles of any ride should be used for warming up, unless it's a race for which you would have spent some time warming up beforehand.

 

[screenman]

Are you doing something you are not fit enough for?

 

[ayceejay]

Now here is something radical: when you pedal are your feet relaxed or do you curl your toes on the down stroke?

 

[steve50]

Bit more salt in your diet and or water bottle.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Or you got fitter.

And that's the correct answer.

It isn't diet or electrolytes, it's mostly fitness I'm afraid, though worth checking that your not pedalling with your toes pointing down.

Now is the season for cramp threads.

 

[screenman]

Bit more salt in your diet and or water bottle.

Do you not think we have more than enough salt in our diets already?

 

[Roobie1974]

I definitely have enough salt

But I do also pedal with my feet pointing down

 

[Fab Foodie]

I definitely have enough salt

But I do also pedal with my feet pointing down

That could be part of the problem, your calf muscle is continually contracted in a similar position which will cause it to cramp ( depending on fitness). Try pedalling with your foot a little flatter. You might need to reposition seat and cleats (if you use them) a little to compensate. At the end if the day cramp is due to a lack of cardiovascular fitness.

Cramp threads are common now as everyone is getting their bikes out of hibernation or are starting cycling and giving it a bit too much welly! You rarely see cramp threads at the end of the season.

 

[Montydog]

yep make sure you keep feet flatter.....

 

[Tenacious Sloth]

And that's the correct answer.

It isn't diet or electrolytes, it's mostly fitness I'm afraid, though worth checking that your not pedalling with your toes pointing down.

Now is the season for cramp threads.

Strange how I got fitter overnight though.

I also lost fitness for a couple of days after I ran out of electrolyte tablets and started getting cramps again.

Admittedly, now 3 stone lighter and a lot fitter, I can ride a lot further without cramps - but still never get them even on much longer rides as long as one of my bottles has an electrolyte drink.

Maybe my diet is deficient in some way. This may also apply to the OP.

Graham

 

[Fab Foodie]

Strange how I got fitter overnight though.

I also lost fitness for a couple of days after I ran out of electrolyte tablets and started getting cramps again.

Admittedly, now 3 stone lighter and a lot fitter, I can ride a lot further without cramps - but still never get them even on much longer rides as long as one of my bottles has an electrolyte drink.

Maybe my diet is deficient in some way. This may also apply to the OP.

Graham

It may be the case, or that many people have relatively poor hydration anyhow (I certainly don't have enough fluids generally) but in general you do need to have pretty poor hydration/low electrolytes to need hydration tabs on relatively short runs.

 

[RichardB]

I have never had cramp while cycling (and I am not all that fit). But I sometimes get them in the evening/at night. It happens for a week or two every six months approximately, and then it goes away again. It's usually related to the days when I have been cycling. It starts with my toes curling downwards (involuntary) and then if I don't take action to stop it, usually because I am asleep, it moves to the calf and then eventually to the inside of my thigh, where it is total and utter agony. Feet and calves you can stretch the cramp out, but I haven't yet found a stretch that will relieve the thigh cramps. At its worst, I am afraid to go to bed, because I know I will be waking up in an hour or so, yelling my head off and waking up my wife. I haven't found more salt or liquids to make any difference, although some proper stretching before bed seems to prevent it to some extent.