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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Treatment For Leg Cramps?

I have just started running long distance about a month ago. In the last week, after just a few minutes in of starting my run, my left shin muscle would cramp up in just a matter of minutes. When I was stretching after my run/walk a few days ago, I felt an indent the size of grape in the left shin muscle. My legs don t hurt throughout the night and I don t have spasms when I m not running. The shin cramp/numbing starts only when I run. I ve played sport since I was 12 and always in good shape so I m confused as to why this is happening and if it is normal?
Tue, 9 Sep 2014
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement 's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
** After going through your suffering, it seems you have developed muscle spasm (cramp).The cramps are caused by hyper excitability of the nerves that stimulate the muscles. May I know are you taking any medicine which causes excessive urination? Leading to low calcium, Magnesium, potassium level. Drugs given for asthma, angina and Parkinsonism also lead to cramp.
A simple way to prevent cramp is-
1. Warm up and stretch your calf muscles before running stretch your calf muscle before going to field 3-4 times and each time holding for 10-15 seconds.
2. Talk to qualified trainer for proper running form and footwear.
3. You may run in a heel-toe pattern and avoid letting the balls of your feet hit the ground first.
4. Stay properly hydrated before, during and after you run and eat a balanced diet with adequate minerals, particularly potassium and magnesium. Taking a multivitamin can also help.

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
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What Is The Treatment For Leg Cramps?

Hello, Thanks for your query. ** After going through your suffering, it seems you have developed muscle spasm (cramp).The cramps are caused by hyper excitability of the nerves that stimulate the muscles. May I know are you taking any medicine which causes excessive urination? Leading to low calcium, Magnesium, potassium level. Drugs given for asthma, angina and Parkinsonism also lead to cramp. A simple way to prevent cramp is- 1. Warm up and stretch your calf muscles before running stretch your calf muscle before going to field 3-4 times and each time holding for 10-15 seconds. 2. Talk to qualified trainer for proper running form and footwear. 3. You may run in a heel-toe pattern and avoid letting the balls of your feet hit the ground first. 4. Stay properly hydrated before, during and after you run and eat a balanced diet with adequate minerals, particularly potassium and magnesium. Taking a multivitamin can also help. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care