How do I prevent Charlie-Horses?

[Bentley6]

I just rode in a 30 mile race this weekend and about 25 miles into it I got a Charlie-horse in my right calf. It took about 30 seconds to shake it out before I could go again. This happened a few months ago when I rode hard on a 17 mile mountain bike trail except in was in both calves and also my upper legs. Whats the best type of prevention for Charlie-horses? I am 44 and don't get to ride but maybe a couple times a week for about 10-12 miles at a time. I walk a couple miles each night and take a daily multivitamin. Do I need to increase my potassium intake, exercise more or is this just something I need to accept at my age? Thanks for your help.

Mark

[Nightshade]

Do I need to increase my potassium intake, exercise more or is this just something I need to accept at my age?

Mark

YES, you do!! I'd recommend that you take a potassium
supplement as I do. I'm 58 and cramps started for me at about
40 something. Since I take one potassium (595mg) each morning
I've not had another cramp ......not one. Try it, it will do
only good for you.......

[Bentley6]

YES, you do!! I'd recommend that you take a potassium
supplement as I do. I'm 58 and cramps started for me at about
40 something. Since I take one potassium (595mg) each morning
I've not had another cramp ......not one. Try it, it will do
only good for you.......

And how much exercise are you doing a week? Do you ride a lot? Thanks for the reply.

[Nightshade]

And how much exercise are you doing a week? Do you ride a lot? Thanks for the reply.

Now that I've had my knees replaced I ride about 15mi each
week (7days) to get back in shape. The cramping is more a
problem of aging and the loss of blood flow to feed the calf
muscles. The potassium helps support both vein & nerve health
which why it works so well. This isn't magic or anything
weird it's just what your body is telling you that IT needs.

Tell you what......try some potassium supplements for a month
and ride as much as you can stand. Bet that your cramps will
quit or be less often.

[ksy]

I often get charlie horses in my foot sole, calves, and the muscle by the chin. Sometimes i'll suddenly get one in the middle of the night and i'll wake up in pain. Also, when i get a charlie horse in the calf, i try to strech it out, but that results in getting one in the chin. I've been getting these problems since i was a kid, espacially in the winter.

Tight muscles or lack of potassium?

[Arnie]

Well....i use to get major leg cramps an hour or 2 after my rides, i was told to drink
Gatoraid and it's worked well.....eat bannans BA-nan-nas however ya spell it

[Bentley6]

Tell you what......try some potassium supplements for a month
and ride as much as you can stand. Bet that your cramps will
quit or be less often.[/QUOTE]

Well I try the supplements Tightwad and see what happens. I don't get them own my normal ride of about 15 miles or so a week but just if I go much longer and harder. Thanks for the help.

[mrdoright0405]

I had one about a month ago. Atleast thats what the Dr. said it was. Pain hit me all of a sudden in my right side of the upper chest almost under my arm. Man! It felt like I was hit with a baseball or something. The Doc told me to apply heat and cold, along with rest.

[jeff williams]

Stetch before exercising, and after.