Muscle Cramps

[burnin_vernon]

Does anybody else get these on a regular basis? I get them in my calves, thighs, triceps, abs...even in my frickin jaw muscles sometimes when I yawn. I usually get them when I stretch my legs out on the couch, or in my sleep (awesome way to wake up when both left and right calves-to-thighs seize up at 4am). I sometimes get them while I'm actually active but not as much.

I've heard dehydration can cause it but I drink plenty of water. I don't know if genetics play into this, but my dad gets them too. Anybody know any way to prevent these?

[calf]

I get them every so often...happened very frequently a year or two ago, but it only really occurred in my calves (not related to my screen name). It's also happened lately when I've gone swimming (which I never used to do much...seems like a flexibility thing).

I noticed that they happened on days when I went for a run or worked out my legs at the gym, so that's part of it (and when I used to not stretch as much as I should have)...and I'm willing to bet that dehydration was partially the cause as well.

[FlamesKickAss]

I hate it. Got it in my foot the other day. I get it mostly after drinking.

[NSFL]

Do you get enough calcium? Lack of calcium will often cause cramping. Try drinking more milk or taking a calcium supplement.

[CaptainCrunch]

I thought it was potassium that reduced cramps.

[BlackEleven]

I get them in the arches of my feet sometimes, ususally when I'm sleeping. Hurts like hell.

[socalwingfan]

I used to get bad cramps in my calves when surfing - eating lots of bananas for potassium seems to have cured the problem

[zukes]

My calves sometimes do that, my toes do it a lot when I lay on my stomach. Not a good feeling.

[habernac]

I had a real problem with my calves cramping badly when cycling. I started taking a calcium/magnesium supplement that has certainly helped. A lot more stretching is a good thing, too.

[rubecube]

Nobody suggested cranberry juice?

[burnin_vernon]

Interesting. I've never heard of calcium or cranberries helping. Off to the grocery store I go.

[joe_mullen]

if you actually get them regularly in numerous muscle groups, see your GP to rule out possible metabolic causes like electrolyte imbalances, kidney disorders, etc.

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by BlackEleven

I get them in the arches of my feet sometimes, ususally when I'm sleeping. Hurts like hell.

Those are the worst.. I get them every few months or so.. Nothing like 5 mins of sheer agony at 3am..

[Ch40s]

Originally Posted by burnin_vernon

Interesting. I've never heard of calcium... helping.

One of the most likely causes.

A lot of people don't know this, but the majority of your calcium intake is stored in muscles to utilize for contraction, as opposed to in your bones.

[The Fonz]

I'm starting to find that after a long night of drinking, I sometimes have a sore lower back the next day.