Leg Cramps?

[Evolving Ape]

Hey everyone, I have a question about a situation I constantly find myself in.  I'm 26 years old and I would say in pretty good health, but I have a leg cramp issue (usually in the same leg).  It doesn't randomly occur, it happens when I stress it with exercise, rock climbing and sometimes recreational bedroom activities (embarrassing).

 

I've heard it could be a potassium deficiency issue, but I want to get other opinions on this.  Anybody else experience this?

[marionette]

It could be potassium, or you could just need to work on your strength and flexibility in that leg (which I think is more likely). Stretches, yoga and strength could all address this.

[bigm141414]

Drink lots of water and eat a banana. Oh and make sure to cool down stretch after exercise. 

[Evolving Ape]

Thanks guys.  Bought some bananas and plan on buying some potassium citrate later in the day.  I agree that it may be a flexibility issue as well.

[marionette]

Before you go taking a supplement try just the banana and stretching. Due to its localized nature it probably isn't a huge deficiency. Also you can look at reducing the amount of sodium in your diet which will help improve your potassium levels. Here is a brief article about potassium http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/potassium-000320.htm that I suggest you read.

[Evolving Ape]

Thanks, I'll check it out

[Schmopey]

Was there any previous injury? My left hamstring and calf are prone to cramping, though less so now than previously. I had significant atrophy in my left leg as a result from living with a herniated disc for about two years. Now that I've been strengthening and stretching, it happens much less frequently.

[Evolving Ape]

Was there any previous injury? My left hamstring and calf are prone to cramping, though less so now than previously. I had significant atrophy in my left leg as a result from living with a herniated disc for about two years. Now that I've been strengthening and stretching, it happens much less frequently.

 

Well, I wouldn't call it a previous injury...but when I was in High School, I woke up to a pretty serious cramp and was limping for a few days.  Not sure if it got pulled.  I do know that cramps were happening before then also.

[Evolving Ape]

Hey all. Usually a leg cramp is more likely to crop up when my legs are really sore and they have been the past few days...but after implementing some of these things, I have gotten no cramps so far. Thanks!

[Tucker!]

just make sure to stretch it every day! my friend had a similar problem and.he just made sure to stretch it and it eventually went. also, are you putting more strain on that leg when you exercise over the other? that might cause a problem!