Touring - muscle cramps

I had diarrhea for 3 days and when I was just waking up today, I had a cramp in my calf muscle. I actally scared me. Does anyone here have any tips for dealing with something like that? It's a good thing it didn't happen to me while on a bike trip. Do you grab your calf? That's what I did, and I think I saved myself from a worse cramp.

I suspect that the diarrhea has caused some dehydration in your system. Drink lots of water and that should help with any cramping. Generally cramps are cause by a lack of hydration. If it persists, see a doctor.

Dave is correct, the dehydration is probably the cause of the cramps. I stop some of the cramp pain grab you toes and pull the toes upward or if standing put pressure on the toes and lean forward this will stretch the muscle and ease the pain. I find that hydration and potassium (bananas and powerade) help.

Dave is correct, the dehydration is probably the cause of the cramps. I stop some of the cramp pain grab you toes and pull the toes upward or if standing put pressure on the toes and lean forward this will stretch the muscle and ease the pain. I find that hydration and potassium (bananas and powerade) help.

+1

I suspect that the diarrhea has caused some dehydration in your system. Drink lots of water and that should help with any cramping. Generally cramps are cause by a lack of hydration. If it persists, see a doctor.

I always thought that cramping was caused by a lack of electrolytes as much as anything else. My experience growing up in Texas suggests that you can drink tons of water and still get cramps. I'd rehydrate, since dehydration frequently accompanies electrolyte imbalance, but I'd also replace electrolytes. Sports drinks, like Gatorade, are a good solution to both problems.

I always thought that cramping was caused by a lack of electrolytes as much as anything else. My experience growing up in Texas suggests that you can drink tons of water and still get cramps. I'd rehydrate, since dehydration frequently accompanies electrolyte imbalance, but I'd also replace electrolytes. Sports drinks, like Gatorade, are a good solution to both problems.

Correct...But generally speaking, cramping is also associated with dehydration and not specifically electrolyte deficiencies. Note also, electrolytes are found in higher quantities in food than in sports drinks so if you're on the road with water alone, a snack can bring you back faster along with lots of water.

This from Medicine.Net:

Dehydration: Sports and other vigorous activities can cause excessive fluid loss from perspiration. This kind of dehydration increases the likelihood of "true" cramps. These cramps are more likely in warm weather and can be an early sign of heat stroke. Chronic volume depletion of body fluids from diuretics (medicine that promote urination) and poor fluid intake may act similarly to predispose to cramps in seniors. Sodium depletion has also been associated with cramps. Loss of sodium, the most abundant chemical constituent of body fluids outside the cell, is usually a function of dehydration.

Dehydration and/or electrolyte imbalance are the likely cause of your cramps. Few bottles of a sports drink are in order. Or just water and bananas/apples. Both high in sodium and potassium. If the cramps persist, see your doctor of course.

Some blood pressure meds contain diuretics that can cause potassium depletion and cramps, especially in a high exercise environment in the summer.