View Full Version : I keep getting this cramp in my right calf...


CaliBuddha
04-10-2008, 07:38 PM
When I get about 30- 40 minutes into a hard ride my right calf starts getting a cramp when I upstroke. The thing is, I cant bend my right ankle back and forth to try and ease the cramp b/c a couple years ago I broke both my ankles and crushed my whole right foot, so, in other words, I just cant bend it... Whats the deal? Not enough fluids? I stretch a decent amount...

threesportsinone
04-10-2008, 07:46 PM
That sucks, thats the worst one too, I've had my calf shrink to the size of a pea in my hand during swim practice. My coach worked it out with his hands and it felt a little better, but I could feel it when I walked around for the next week.

My personal recommendation would be to eat bananas and get a massage stick.

CaliBuddha
04-10-2008, 07:55 PM
I put a banana in my protein smoothie every night... I guess well see how it does tomorrow.

MaestroXC
04-10-2008, 09:12 PM
If you had such severe trauma to your foot and leg, it may be that one of your legs is longer than the other, putting uneven pressure on the calf.

The lack of flexibility in your ankle could be responsible as well; your calf may not be able to fully contract or relax through the pedal stroke, and eventually it just gets tired and locks up.

g0ldh0rn
04-10-2008, 11:08 PM
There are several causes that can induce cramps... Maybe the following website can help:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cramp

Since you only get cramps in your right leg (not in both legs), I don't think you've got a nutrition problem or a metabolic problem. I rather think the problem is one of the following:
1) A bad position on your bicycle
2) An obstructed important vein somewhere in your right calf -> see a doctor
3) Could it be you neglect your right leg while stretching?

cyclust
04-10-2008, 11:42 PM
I had a bllod clot in my left calf 20 years ago, and to this day I have cramping problems with it. Make sure you get enough potasium, bananas are good, though tomatoes are even better. Tomato juice is very high in potasium, but I can't stand to drink the stuff. V8 is another option, or take a potasium supplement. As long as I add potasium to my diet, cramps are not too frequent. But if I don't add some, and I do a hard ride, I know I'll be woke up that night with what feels like a muffler clamp installed on my calf with an impact wrench.

jamesau
04-11-2008, 05:06 AM
You might try moving your cleats all the way back on your shoes to reduce the stress on your calves. Note that some shoe brands allow greater aft placement than others. Given your condition, you might also investigate midfoot cleat aka arch cleat positioning that has seen some internet buzz recently.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/fitness/?id=2007/letters05-22

Good luck.