calf cramps and shin splints - what to do?

Re: calf cramps and shin splints - what to do?

• mrosekepple

  March 2010

  I have been eating bananas since I started getting them and that definitely seems to help.  I also stretch my legs often and flex my toes upwards if I feel like a cramp is coming on.

  GL!

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• kedwards85

  March 2010

  i was getting calf cramps a lot too- stretching before bed didnt help. then i tried drinking a little 12 oz bottle of gatorade (for the potassium and such) before bed and i havent had a cramp since. i tried bananas but that didnt work...

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• teach2183 member

  March 2010

  Definitely start stretching your calves more.  What do you wear walking to work?  You want something that doesn't require extra work from the front muscle on your lower leg - so something with a strap on the back.

  As the others have said, be sure you are drinking lots of water to stay hydrated.  You could also try doing exercises to strengthen the front muscle - sit with your legs dangling off the counter and pull a bucket/weight up with your toes.  Or stand on the edge of a stair with your toes hanging off and raise/lower them.

  I had shin splints that developed into stress fractures in college - no fun.  You can also try icing with a cup so it's ice and massage at the same time.  Take a small paper bathroom cup and freeze some water, unwrap the cup to expose the ice and massage where the muscle attaches to your shin bone.

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