Originally Posted by
goldfinch
Here are the theories:
...
The third hypothesis is advanced by Dr. Schwellnus. He questions the electrolyte hypothesis because his studies of Ironman-distance triathletes as well as other studies of endurance athletes found no difference in electrolyte levels between those who suffered cramps and those who did not.
DR. SCHWELLNUS proposes that the real cause of cramping is an imbalance between nerve signals that excite a muscle and those that inhibit its contractions. And that imbalance, he said, occurs when a muscle is growing fatigued.
His solutions for cramps are to exercise less intensely and for shorter times, to be sure you had enough carbohydrates to fuel your muscles, to train sufficiently and to regularly stretch the muscles that give you problems. These recommendations are based on his recent study of Ironman triathletes, Dr. Schwellnus said.
But while he advocates those practices, he said, they have not been proved in a rigorous study.
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I'm a strong believer there are multiple causes, and many are not understood. This third hypothesis fits my personal experience quite well.
I always assumed that cramping meant I'm essentially done on a ride. As I've gotten in to randonneuring the last couple years, I've been surprised to find I can recover fully and continue for
hundreds of miles after a cramping episode.