Electrolytes and cramp

[MessenJah]

Already posted this on LFGSS but anyway here are a couple of studies that showed no link between electrolyte intake and muscle cramps:

1. http://1.usa.gov/eAozEM Cramp "not associated with...clinically significant differences in serum electrolyte concentrations"

2. http://1.usa.gov/eXu4AK "Serum electrolyte concentrations...not different between those suffering from cramp and those not"

And there's an interesting series of posts on the electrolyte depletion theory of cramp, on The Science of Sport: http://www.sportsscientists.com/search/label/muscle cramps (with it being on a blog, they are obviously in reverse chronological order)

Electrolyte supplements have never worked for me to prevent or get rid of cramp. I always ate bananas before and during rides, and had orange juice in my bottle, sometimes added a bit of salt to the drink, but still got cramp during training rides. Nowadays I never get cramp whether or not I eat bananas or add salt to my drink. However there is plenty of anecdotal evidence from people who say electrolyte supplements work for them - this is obvious, otherwise electrolyte supplements wouldn't sell. However it would be interesting to study some of the people who believe the supplements work, to see if they actually work any better than a placebo.

 

[Banjo]

I suffer from them if I push too hard. Salted nuts seem to help but to be honest I think its just a lack of fitness that causes them, as I have become fitter it takes more effort to cause the cramps now if that makes sense.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I suffer from them if I push too hard. Salted nuts seem to help but to be honest I think its just a lack of fitness that causes them, as I have become fitter it takes more effort to cause the cramps now if that makes sense.

100% correct.
A google reveals that the exact causes of sporting cramp are pretty much unknown, but what is clear is that lack of condition is a major factor.
I predict we'll see a lot of 'cramp' threads over the next 2 months as people get on bikes for the first time ... happens every year.

 

[zacklaws]

As much as I do take electrolytes, I still suffer cramp and its usually predictable when I am going to get it.

Usually it happens if I set off at a faster pace than usual, I can get it after just 4 or 5 miles. It will occur if I have been riding at a steady pace and cadence, and then all of a sudden I have to stand to pedal or stop and unclip and set off again. Normally I can feel it starting to kick in well in advance and at the first indication, I will alter my riding style, bang the bike into higher gear and stand for a while, or just alter my gear ratio and cadence but keep the same pace etc

 

[Glover Fan]

I have to say it is astonishing that there is still no definitive information as to the causes and treatment of cramp. It's a little bit like the common cold, I doubt anyone will ever have a definitive answer for it.

I've always suffered by cramp in my toes especially when swimming, ice skating and now cycling. I am however, putting it down to lack of fitness in this particular discipline as when I was really fit a couple of years ago I had no problem. It is also getting better as the weeks go by.

 

[MessenJah]

I have to say it is astonishing that there is still no definitive information as to the causes and treatment of cramp. It's a little bit like the common cold, I doubt anyone will ever have a definitive answer for it.

But there is a definitive answer for what causes the common cold. And there are effective ways of treating people who have one.

 

[zacklaws]

But there is a definitive answer for what causes the common cold. And there are effective ways of treating people who have one.

Well let us into the secret then apart from stating its caused by about 200 different viruses. Treating people and curing people are two different things, we can relieve the symptoms, but there is no treatment out which will make you well.

 

[MessenJah]

Well let us into the secret then apart from stating its caused by about 200 different viruses. Treating people and curing people are two different things, we can relieve the symptoms, but there is no treatment out which will make you well.

The fact is that we do know what causes the common cold and that it can be treated, if only to relieve the symptoms.



No-one mentioned curing the common cold. No-one said it could be cured. You're making a pointless argument against something that I didn't say.

 

[Glover Fan]

OK, but that is just pedantic nit-picking as you knew what I meant.