THE CLINIC: Half-Marathon Muscle Cramping
Thu, 13 Sept. 2012 - 2:11 a.m. MT
Credit: ARA Staff - American Running Association
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QUESTION:
When I reach mile 12 or so of a half-marathon or long run, my right calf cramps up, and has for years. What do you think of electrolyte replacement drinks, which promise an end to cramping. Information I’ve read in the past seems to indicate that the causes of cramping remain uncertain and therefore I’m skeptical of a surefire remedy. I’d like to cease experiencing these calf cramps but I shy away from electrolyte overloading. After all, I use Gu and PowerBars, yet the cramps remain.
Leonard Wilson
Grand Rapids, MI
ANSWER:
Your problem is common, as is the belief that electrolyte loss is responsible. Theoretically, loading with an electrolyte replacement beverage might minimize the losses and shifts, but I am unaware of any controlled studies looking at this drink and rates of cramping. If your kidney function is normal (and one would think that it is if you’re running half-marathons) there should be no harm in giving the drink a try prior to long runs.
William M. Simpson, Jr., MD
Charleston, SC
ANSWER:
I’ve found that if a person’s calcium intake is too low, especially when their phosphorus intake is too high, they may be vulnerable to calf cramping.
Sarah Harding Laidlaw, MS, RD, MPA
Mesquite, NV
ANSWER:
The majority of research leads knowledgeable exercise scientists to conclude that exercise leg cramps are a result of deficient fluid, sodium and other trace minerals, and/or overheating of the body. Meeting fluid and mineral requirements would not be overloading. The Gatorade Sport Science Institute’s publication has a well deserved, highly regarded reputation, and I advise you to read further about electrolyte replacement and muscle cramping there: www.gssi.com.
Earl J. Carstensen, MD
Aurora, CO
DISCLAIMER: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
The American Running Association (ARA) and its Clinic Advisory Board disclaims responsibility and shall have no liability for any consequences suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. ARA does not endorse specifically any test, treatment, or procedure mentioned on this site.
(RUNNING & FITNEWS® January / February 2009 • Volume 27, Number 1)
When I reach mile 12 or so of a half-marathon or long run, my right calf cramps up, and has for years. What do you think of electrolyte replacement drinks, which promise an end to cramping. Information I’ve read in the past seems to indicate that the causes of cramping remain uncertain and therefore I’m skeptical of a surefire remedy. I’d like to cease experiencing these calf cramps but I shy away from electrolyte overloading. After all, I use Gu and PowerBars, yet the cramps remain.
Leonard Wilson
Grand Rapids, MI
ANSWER:
Your problem is common, as is the belief that electrolyte loss is responsible. Theoretically, loading with an electrolyte replacement beverage might minimize the losses and shifts, but I am unaware of any controlled studies looking at this drink and rates of cramping. If your kidney function is normal (and one would think that it is if you’re running half-marathons) there should be no harm in giving the drink a try prior to long runs.
William M. Simpson, Jr., MD
Charleston, SC
ANSWER:
I’ve found that if a person’s calcium intake is too low, especially when their phosphorus intake is too high, they may be vulnerable to calf cramping.
Sarah Harding Laidlaw, MS, RD, MPA
Mesquite, NV
ANSWER:
The majority of research leads knowledgeable exercise scientists to conclude that exercise leg cramps are a result of deficient fluid, sodium and other trace minerals, and/or overheating of the body. Meeting fluid and mineral requirements would not be overloading. The Gatorade Sport Science Institute’s publication has a well deserved, highly regarded reputation, and I advise you to read further about electrolyte replacement and muscle cramping there: www.gssi.com.
Earl J. Carstensen, MD
Aurora, CO
DISCLAIMER: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
The American Running Association (ARA) and its Clinic Advisory Board disclaims responsibility and shall have no liability for any consequences suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. ARA does not endorse specifically any test, treatment, or procedure mentioned on this site.
(RUNNING & FITNEWS® January / February 2009 • Volume 27, Number 1)
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