Leg Cramps Spreading Over the Body

by Jeff
(Poplar, WI)

I am a 25 year old male. I ran sprints in high school track and for the last five years i have run longer distances; marathons and half marathons.

My major difficulty is cramping. it starts in my calfs, moves up to my thighs and will continue on up my body, even causing my tongue to cramp. I have tried drinking more water and sports drinks, eating bananas and taking "Hammer" supplement pills and gel to no avail.



I saw a sports doctor and he did blood tests but all my values are within the normal ranges but the cramping continues. He is at a loss as to what I can do to stop the cramping. I am wondering if you or one of your readers has any suggestions...


Answer by Dominique:


Hi there,
Thanks for your question.

Honestly, I have no clue.

One thing you have not mentioned is the situations under which you experience this cramping. If you haven't already done so, start keeping a log of when the cramping occurs. I.e. is it mostly in the races you do, or are there other circumstances as well which make you cramp up?

Generally, muscle cramps occur when you push yourself to your limits or when you are not well hydrated or don't have enough nutrients in your body, predominantly sodium and potassium.

Also see my running and calf cramps page. It seems like you have taken care of eating and drinking the right kind of foods for this, but I am not sure what the rest of your diet is like and if there is still an imbalance.

If you are into it, I would recommend going to a homeopath or somebody who practices alternative medicine. They are not replacements for going to a doctor, but they usually take a more holistic view to your body and your health and may find imbalances that a regular doctor would not.



Other than that, I would hope that somebody who reads this has got some advice as well!

Kind regards,
Dominique

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Running Training Helpline.



Like this page:


Share this page:


Like this site:


[?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
follow us in feedly
Add to My Yahoo!

Helpful
Resources

  • Beginner Running Tips

    Are you a beginning runner? Then this is your best starting point. Many tips and running programs on offer, dedicated to you.

  • Running for Weight Loss

    Aiming to lose a few pounds? Get into the Running for Weight Loss section for tips and advice.

  • Running Training

    The Running Training section of the site has got the most articles. It is constantly getting updated with new tips and information. A must-visit if you are serious about improving your running performance.

  • 5k Running Tips

    The 5k is a great distance to run and train for. The great thing is that you can do it quite often and see big improvements.

  • 10k Running Tips

    The 10k is a real challenge. You need to run fast for an uncomfortably long time! Check out this section if you are strong of mind and legs!

  • Marathon Running Tips

    The marathon is a massive challenge. Proper training is so important! Make sure to check out this section if you have got your mind set on the marathon!




What's New?

  1. Marathon Calculator Page - Three Essential Running Calculators That Help You Conquer Your Marathon

    marathon-calculator-01.jpg
    This marathon calculator page provides you with a set of running calculators that help you conquer your marathon. Calculate your marathon pace, training pace etc.

    Read more

  2. Advanced Marathoning Book Review- If You Want To Do More Than Finishing a Marathon

    Want to run your best marathon? Want to do more than just finishing a marathon. Then Advanced Marathoning is the book for you.

    Read more

  3. Top Fifteen Beginner Jogging Myths

    beginner-jogging-11.jpg
    The top fifteen beginner jogging myths. When you are a beginning runner, you'll hear lots of nonsense about running. This articles dispels some of the most common myths.

    Read more

  4. How Can I Improve My 5 Mile Time?

    I am a 25-year-old female running a 7 minute mile for 5 miles. My time is between 33 to 35 minutes. My question is how can I run a 6 minute mile for 5

    Read more

  5. Returning to Running After a Meniscus Injury

    I have developed a meniscus injury which requires surgery. I run 1/2 and full marathons and haven't been able to run for the past 3 months as I wait

    Read more