Cramping calf musle

[sammycat]

Help! I have recently purchased Cathe's Greatest Hits DVD and have been learning Power Max. (Wow - it's tough!) I go through the warm-up and stretches with Cathe, no problems, then start into the workout. Everythings feels warm and loose, however once I am into the second set of aerobics my right calf (just the right calf) will suddenly spasm. It really hurts, sort of like an electric shock. I've had this spasm three times now over the past couple of weeks. I have to stop the workout. I cool down, stretch out. My right calf is sore and feels like it is bunched up in a knot. I just slowly work out the knot over the next couple of days with walking (I walk about two miles five to six days a week), heat, massage, ibuprofen, wrap my calf, you get the picture. The walking in particular helps and by the second or third day, I feel fine. I believe the spasm is in the soleus, the lower part of my calf. I have tried to increase fluids and have gone on-line to find stretches specifically for the gastroc and soleus. After I'm feeling better, I go back to a step routine. I do Body Blast or Low Max, no problems! Is there something I can do, or am I doing something incorrectly in the Power Max? I would appreciate any comments or suggestions. Thanks ladies.

 

[Shelshula]

Hi,

I sometimes get cramps in my calves when my potassium levels are low. Eating a banana might help. Potatoes are also high in potassium.

Just a thought.

 

[SRP]

Let me extend a little warning, if you don't mind. I experienced what I thought was cramping in my left calf, way back in September, while doing a low impact step routine. It went away, and I thought everything was fine. The next time I did step aerobics, I tore my calf muscle. I've been trying to recover from the injury since then, but it's still not healed, despite seeing a doctor, a physical therapist and now an orthopedist.

Your comments caught my attention, when you said that the discomfort goes away after a few days, but returns whenever you put more stress on it. So does mine - In fact, my orthopedist said I was healed and ready to return to my regular routine, but then I tore it again.

Sorry for the long post, but I'd hate for you to go through this same mess. My advice would be to have a doctor check it out, just to make sure you have not torn a muscle. Take care.

 

[atiman]

>Let me extend a little warning, if you don't mind. I
>experienced what I thought was cramping in my left calf, way
>back in September, while doing a low impact step routine. It
>went away, and I thought everything was fine. The next time I
>did step aerobics, I tore my calf muscle. I've been trying to
>recover from the injury since then, but it's still not healed,
>despite seeing a doctor, a physical therapist and now an
>orthopedist.
>

Same thing here, but I did recover.

After my spinning class, I went to get into my car and lifted my leg and BAM!!!. It was the most painful, worst charley horse ever....it knocked me over....it took my breath away!

I could feel tenderness in that spot the next day. I was aware of it and after a few days it was fine. Then about a week after that, while in a cardio class, I did a knee up and my calf tore/popped. I limped out of class.

It healed to the point that I could use the eliptical machine and stretching classes, it took me about 4 weeks were I could feel comfortable stepping again.

 

[sammycat]

I forgot about potassium, thank you!

 

[sammycat]

Thank you very much. I don't want to admit it, but I think you are right. I will "heed your warning" and probably go talk to my doctor.

 

[sammycat]

Thanks for the advice. The pain is wild, isn't it? Wow! I'm glad you got better, and if I play it slow and careful, I should be okay (hopefully in four weeks?)