Training & Nutrition - Left foot cramps.

Tonight was only my second ride of the year. But like the first one my left foot started cramping and hurt to much to finish the ride. Had to call wife to come get me.

The problem with my foot is not cycling related. I do not know what or how it happened but it started to hurt and cramp off and on last winter. Near as I can tell I have not injured it. It could have something to do with me being overweight. And as I lose the weight it will get better. But I need something to help it feel better while I ride in the mean time. And why only my left foot and not both I don't know. I want to avoid a trip to the doctor if possible.

I know that there are certain suplements I can take to help prevent this. Going to the local GNC store to purchase what I need.

But as well as doing that I can also use a topical product like aspercream or icyhot on my foot prior to a ride.

I have heard that runners apply certain products right before they go out and run to prevent cramps and pain in thier feet.

The question I have is which one should I use? Icyhot, aspercream or Bengay? Are there other products other then these 3 main ones I mentioned?

I'm talking about using it right before a ride, in fact right before I put on my cycling socks and shoes.

I am also going to take Advil about an hour prior to riding to help as well.

Thanks.

Funny this topic should pop up. I was talking with a friend of mine about this exact thing last night. He had this problem for awhile and went to the doc and asked him about it. The doc told him to take potasium and it would help. He did so and it has solved his problem. Not sure if you have the same problems as he did, but I thought I would mention it to see if it would help you anyway.

I like Theragesic for basic muscle pain... 3 thin layers, and you'll be feeling all good... it gets really really hot much like icyhot.. but it seems to do a good job.. that and 3 advil... good to go...

I sometimes get the same thing in my left foot.. not so much cramps, but a dull ache... I think it started after I fell over one day because I couldn;t clip out fast enough and either bruised, or broke a bone in my foot... it doesn;t hurt too bad... so it must just be a bruise.. but it really has gone away since last September...

Jeff

what kind of shoes and pedals do you use..?
some people who use crank bros.. add something to their shoes
becuase the pedals cuase pain /cramps..
have you tryed a stiffer shoe? (one with a carbon fiber sole?)

do you point your toes when pedalling? check and try to smooth out your cadence... it could be that or just tight shoes?

Thank you all for your responses and suggestions. But this problem was not caused by my shoes or pedals. Cycling does irritate it though. It is pre-existing since last winter, about 4 or 5 months ago is when it started.

I am taking potassium & magnesium, so that should help.

I have not ridden since Wed.

But I have noticed a differance since starting the suppliment and it has started to make a differance.

No I do not point my toes while riding, (kind of hard to do on a recumbent). My cadence is smooth and the shoes fit fine.

The pedals are Shimano M424, the shoes are Shimnao M070. The pedals I just bought, my old ones are toast. THe shoes have always fit fine and they are stiff enough. On a 'bent I personally do not think you need that stiff of a shoe. Have not had a problems with it yet.

Until this year my feet have never cramped. The only thing that ever happened last year was my feet would go numb or get hot. That is something that a lot of 'bent riders deal with because of the position of their feet and the way they pedal compared to a wedgie rider.

Hopefully when I ride again there wil be no cramps or discomfort.