Help - any nurses? Doctors?

[tygra]

I've heard that if you experience a lot of muscle cramps it's a deficiency in something. Anyone know what it is? Is it one of the B vitamins? Can you take something for it?

Thanks!

 

[SRP]

If you have a calcium deficiency, you may have more frequent muscle cramps. I don't know if there's anything else.

I'm not a medical practitioner, but I used to work for a doctor, who advised calcium for my grandmother, who suffered leg cramps at night.

 

[beckymd]

Calcium deficiency can cause cramps. So can not stretching enough. After a workout (or any activity where muscles are involved), lactic acid builds up in the muscle and that can cause soreness. Stretching opens up the muscle fibers to allow that lactic acid to come out.

-Becky

 

[tygra]

Thanks so much to both of you, appreciate the advise. I do not eat or drink enough calcium and most of the time I am not faithful to stretching. Since I'm doing a lot of step, I've notice cramping in the calves. I am stretching much more now. Also, after lifting heavy - PUB - I noticed my back cramped - even while stretching. I have had a glass of milk tonight and will be stretching. Thanks!!!

 

[alsrnbsn]

Potassium and sodium deficiencies can also cause muscle cramps. My older brother used to get severe charlie horses in the summer when he was doing the "2-a-day" football practices in August. Talk about sweating!

I guess that you can chalk them up to "electrolyte" imbalances in general.

 

[Tallchick]

not a doctor either but I had weird muscle cramps due to needing more potassium. Sweating causes a loss of potassium. And look what Cathe's workouts do in regards to heavy sweating!

 

[andtckrtoo]

Whenever I work out very hard I make sure I take an extra calcium with magnesium tablet. It works. Calcium alone does not do it for me. I sent DD17 to cheer came with a bunch of these tablets and for the first time she came back without having suffered leg cramps.

 

[kathryn]

I've also heard that it can be a magnesium deficiency. (soaking in epsom salts, which are magnesium sulfate, can help prevent cramps).

 

[blkane]

To add to everyone elses comments, cramping can be caused by dehydration as well. Are you drinking enough plain old water?

 

[tygra]

Thanks all! Everyone is so helpful here.

I do drink a ton of water - especially doing Cathe workouts. I do admit to the lack of stretching though, sometimes I'm in a rush and skip that and I know I shouldn't - other times, I'm so glad I made it through the workouts. I also don't have enough dairy. I really noticed the cramping after doing PUB and PLB - when stretching the upper body, I'd cramp. I appreciate the suggestions and will use them! Thanks again everyone!

Ever wonder if Aspercream comes in a gallon size??? Just kidding, sort of...