Muscle cramps after exercise

[skippy254]

Just seeking some advice on muscle cramps/charlie horse issues with my calf muscles. I will go out and train on the bike and be just fine with no cramps but when I go to bed later on I will sometimes get massive charlie horse cramps in one or both calf muscles. This happens with no warning and usually after I've been on the bed for awhile. After I wake up and work the cramps out I'm okay but sore for a day or two.

When I get back on the bike I still do not get the cramps, only after exercise. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Master50]

cramps

electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, Magnesium deficiency, calcium deficiency, potassium deficiency, weak muscles, are all possibilities.
My most common cause is Magnesium so I take a 1:1 mix of calcium/ magnesium. (Cal/mag) or about 225 grams of each every day. eat bananas and drink enough fluids.

 

[bikebike]

Beware self-diagnosing vitamin and mineral deficiences - excess through supplementation can often be toxic. Natural foods are a far more effective source of both, unless you have a serious, medically-diagnosed deficiency. Replacing lost fluids after a ride with electrolytes is important.

 

[Old Derailleur-in-the-mist]

agree

Agree with the above........ although, mild dehydration probably more common than the electrolyte abnormalities.
If better hydration doesn't help, ensure an adequate warm-down.

 

[skippy254]

It will be interesting to see if I get the dreaded cramps tonight. I did 68 miles on the mountain bike in 92 degree heat. I ran out of food, water, and electrolytes. Although I did have a good time. The experimentation will continue....

 

[Black Dog]

Start with Bananas (potassium); this is the most common deficiency that leads to cramping. You can not OD on bananas. However, post exercise cramping may not be due to a mineral deficiency. It happens frequently to people who have undergone high intensity endurance exercise.