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Suggest Treatment For Muscle Pull And Cramping In Calf
Question: I am a very fit 62 year old runner.
On a few occasions I have either cramped or pulled a muscle in the lower part of my right calf. Could morning coffee (2 mugs) cause dehydration, although I drink quite a lot of water before a run discounting dehydration, perhaps?
Could it be an electrolight problem?
I don't stretch a lot but do some. It doesn't seem like a lack of stretching is the problem?
I am running along perfectly then the muscle or tendon gives a hint of discomfort, I run on a little more and it starts to really hurt. Most recently it hurt at 40 mins, then a 10 day break from running and it hurt at 10 mins. 2 weeks no running then 10 mins again.
I had a Rolfing session then 10 days off. I felt great and comfortable running but it hurt at 15 mins. I tried to run through the pain but then it really hurt bad.
I have now taken 6 weeks off running and want to give myself the best chance to run again. This happened once before about 3 years ago, after a long plane flight, but this summer there was no flight involved.
I am going to try a new shoe type called Hoka One which has a very thick foam base, but the injury doesn't seem to be footwear related. I am running on dirt roads or pavement. Is there something I am missing? The pain is at the lowest part of my calf muscle, and deep inside. I can always walk without pain even after injury so it seems related to the push upwards of the toe in the running motion.
On a few occasions I have either cramped or pulled a muscle in the lower part of my right calf. Could morning coffee (2 mugs) cause dehydration, although I drink quite a lot of water before a run discounting dehydration, perhaps?
Could it be an electrolight problem?
I don't stretch a lot but do some. It doesn't seem like a lack of stretching is the problem?
I am running along perfectly then the muscle or tendon gives a hint of discomfort, I run on a little more and it starts to really hurt. Most recently it hurt at 40 mins, then a 10 day break from running and it hurt at 10 mins. 2 weeks no running then 10 mins again.
I had a Rolfing session then 10 days off. I felt great and comfortable running but it hurt at 15 mins. I tried to run through the pain but then it really hurt bad.
I have now taken 6 weeks off running and want to give myself the best chance to run again. This happened once before about 3 years ago, after a long plane flight, but this summer there was no flight involved.
I am going to try a new shoe type called Hoka One which has a very thick foam base, but the injury doesn't seem to be footwear related. I am running on dirt roads or pavement. Is there something I am missing? The pain is at the lowest part of my calf muscle, and deep inside. I can always walk without pain even after injury so it seems related to the push upwards of the toe in the running motion.
Brief Answer:
Can be electrolyte probelm.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The cramp in the calf could be due to an electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. You can combat this by taking electrolyte rich fluids like Garotade before and during the running.
Lack of stretching and adequate warming up exercises before starting the running is also a common cause of such leg cramps. Doing too much,too soon and too fast creates problem. Stretching of hamstrings by pulling both legs towards chest with hands below knees will help.
Since the pain increases on running it is more likely to be an electrolyte imbalance.
Several vitamin deficiency states may directly or indirectly lead to muscle cramps. These include deficiencies of thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6).
Most cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched. For many cramps of the feet and legs, this stretching can often be accomplished by standing up and walking around. Gently massaging the muscle will often help it to relax, as will applying warmth from a heating pad or hot soak. If the cramp is associated with fluid loss, as is often the case with vigorous physical activity, fluid and electrolyte (especially sodium and potassium) replacement is essential. Certain drugs like baclofen are helpful.
Taking a light breakfast, preferably some lean protein and/or complex carbohydrate with a little healthy fat-- before the exercise or immediately after the exercise might also help you.
Use running shoes with good shock absorption and quality construction. Be sure that shoes fit properly and are in good condition. If you have flat feet, you may need shoe inserts.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Can be electrolyte probelm.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The cramp in the calf could be due to an electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. You can combat this by taking electrolyte rich fluids like Garotade before and during the running.
Lack of stretching and adequate warming up exercises before starting the running is also a common cause of such leg cramps. Doing too much,too soon and too fast creates problem. Stretching of hamstrings by pulling both legs towards chest with hands below knees will help.
Since the pain increases on running it is more likely to be an electrolyte imbalance.
Several vitamin deficiency states may directly or indirectly lead to muscle cramps. These include deficiencies of thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6).
Most cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched. For many cramps of the feet and legs, this stretching can often be accomplished by standing up and walking around. Gently massaging the muscle will often help it to relax, as will applying warmth from a heating pad or hot soak. If the cramp is associated with fluid loss, as is often the case with vigorous physical activity, fluid and electrolyte (especially sodium and potassium) replacement is essential. Certain drugs like baclofen are helpful.
Taking a light breakfast, preferably some lean protein and/or complex carbohydrate with a little healthy fat-- before the exercise or immediately after the exercise might also help you.
Use running shoes with good shock absorption and quality construction. Be sure that shoes fit properly and are in good condition. If you have flat feet, you may need shoe inserts.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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