leg cramps

[jennifer2]

Hi Cathe!

I've been plagued by frequent charley horses in my calves lately... I'm not sure what could have brought them on! I do stretch after every workout, and I don't jump into any cardio activity without thoroughly warming up... Do you know what causes these and how I could prevent them in the future? And also, what's the best thing I can do other than massaging the area?

Thanks much

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

calf cramps

In addition to stretching extra long and warming up thoroughly, make sure you are well hydrated at all times and that you are not too low on sodium or potassium in your diet. Also be sure to exercise your Tibialis Anterior(muscle down along the front of the shin bone)so that you do not develop an imbalance(another reason for possible calf cramps). To provide relief, ice and continue to massage the area a couple of times a day. Be sure to put either a day of rest or an activity that is less demanding on the calves between workouts that are extremely demanding on the calves. Good Luck!

 

[jennifer2]

Thanks, Cathe!

Thanks so much, Cathe!