Hate when that happens

Eddie

I stretch through out the day to keep myself from cramping up during training. I'm sure you do a good job of warming up before working out but make sure you really stretch well before you start moving around and getting your heart rate up.



My issue is shin splints.... they were so bad yesterday I almost

That much exertion...you need salt. Probably pottasium too. Supplements won't hurt. But, I would bet that you probably don't add a lot of salt to your diet...which you shouldn't unless you are sweating it out of your system.

Cramps also occur because of the build up of waste/acid.

great advice

Stay away from alcoholic beverages and coffee... these lead to dehydration.

Also Muscle Milk will also promote tissue repair when used during heavy training... this too will require more water consumption.

What Causes Muscle Cramps
The exact cause of muscle cramps is still unknown, but the theories most commonly cited include:

* Altered neuromuscular control
* Dehydration
* Electrolyte depletion
* Poor conditioning
* Muscle fatigue
* Doing a new activity

Other factors that have been associated with muscle cramps include exercising in extreme heat. The belief is that muscle cramps are more common during exercise in the heat because sweat contains fluids as well as electrolyte (salt, potassium, magnesium and calcium). When these nutrients fall to certain levels, the incidence of muscle spasms increases. Because athletes are more likely to get cramps in the preseason, near the end of (or the night after) intense or prolonged exercise, some feel that a lack of conditioning results in cramps.

Treating Muscle Cramps
Cramps usually go away on their own without treatment, but these tips appears to help speed the healing process:

* Stop the activity that caused the cramp.
* Gently stretch and massage the cramping muscle.
* Hold the joint in a stretched position until the cramp stops.

Preventing Muscle Cramps
Until we learn the exact cause of muscle cramps, it will be difficult to say with any confidence how to prevent them. However, these tips are most recommended by experts and athletes alike:

* Improve fitness and avoid muscle fatigue
* Stretch regularly after exercise
* Warm up before exercise
* Stretch the calf muscle: In a standing lunge with both feet pointed forward, straighten the rear leg.
* Stretch the hamstring muscle: Sit with one leg folded in and the other straight out, foot upright and toes and ankle relaxed. Lean forward slightly, touch foot of straightened leg. (Repeat with opposite leg.)
* Stretch the quadriceps muscle: While standing, hold top of foot with opposite hand and gently pull heel toward buttocks. (Repeat with opposite leg.)

Most muscle cramps are not serious. If your muscle cramps are severe, frequent, constant or of concern, see your doctor.

I really appreciate everybody taking the time to comment on this... You guys are very thoughtful..

Eddie. You might also need to go to your family doctor to get checked for either RLS. Restless Leg Syndrome. Or PAD. Perifiel Artery Disease (excuse the spelling on that one). Circulation problems are not to be taken lightly.

Don`t let the cramps and the charley horses take control. Please get checked out.

You appear to be a very young man. (Compared to me, I`m 57).

Avocados are also a good source of potassium...

That used to happen to me after extreme workouts (NOT!)

But I did get them at night. Bananas did help slot. Took bout 2weeks of three a day. Now one a day. Haven't had cramps since!!!

If all else fails get out the guacamole...

You should come here, I make some AWESOME Guac

Actually it is best to get what your body needs through the different foods that contain all the minerals and vitamins your body needs supplements are okay but at times many tend to over indulge which can be harmful in the long run.

Potassium assists in muscle contraction and in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in body cells. Potassium is also important in sending nerve impulses as well as releasing energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates during metabolism. You should take in at least 2,000 milligrams of potassium per day.

Here is a good site that gives you a large list of all the foods that have potassium in them and it as well breaks them down within serving size and lets you know how much potassium is within each serving.

This way not only do you get the potassium you need but you have a variety of foods that have them.

http://www.hoptechno.com/book29p.htm

But.............if you change your diet and take in the required amounts that are needed due to exercise ect and still have the problems make sure you see a doctor as some has said above.