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Calf cramping

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olops
olops

I consistently get cramp in my left calf after between 5-10 mins of running, whenever I try - I normally try annualy then give up after a few attempts. Even if I stop immediately the muscle damage is sufficient to cause a limp for a day and not to feel ‘right’ for 3-4 days. I do not think this is a dehydration/ fatigue/ potassium issue. I am fit – my main exercise is cycling (I’m wondering if the specific conditioning of the muscles via cycling might have caused the issue?). I am taking Lisinopril for BP, which ‘according to the internet’ has been linked to cramping. I do generally have an issue with straining muscles easily when I do anything but cycling, i.e. any sporting activity my body isn’t used to. I've put this down to getting older (45) but hopefully this is a bit premature.

I used to enjoy running 3-4 times a week but I've had this problem for almost 10 years now and would like to think this is not just bad genes/ getting old!

​My current plan is to try a more varied exercise programme and to try to build up specific muscle fitness slowly on the treadmill but thoughts welcome. Perhaps try an alternative to lisinopril as well/ raise with my GP?

 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH olops

    Posted

    Low potassium is not the only thing to lead to cramps, low magnesium can too.

    The other possibility could be poor blood flow to the muscles so that not enough blood can get through when exercising but there is enough for less strenuous activity. 

    • kb87
      kb87 EileenH

      Posted

      Hi Olops, 

      EileenH is absolutely correct that magnesium can be incredible. One other natural supplement to keep in mind is Coenzyme Q10.

      CoQ10 is responsible for 95% of our energy and our muscles are heavily dependent on it. It is also an important antioxidant that have specific physiological repair functions for muscle fibres also. There is some great research that have statistically significant clinical trial results. CoQ10 has been studied for cardiovascular disease (heart is the body's hardest working muscle), improved energy levels, in connection with improving Exercise Training, for countering musculoskeletal side effects and in connection with its role in muscle fiber loss, etc over the past couple of decades. 

      In the databases of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health you can find free reviews of many of the clinical trials.

      Hope this helps you get to running soon. 

    • olops
      olops EileenH

      Posted

      Many thanks. Poor blood flow/ circulation certainly seems a possibility, particular combined with my supposed controlled elevated blood pressure and other symptoms. I've made an appointment with my GP for them to help me sort out. I should really have done this earlier!
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