Ouch Ouch! I Got A Cramp!
I gotta tell you about something that happened to me yesterday. I completed my biking workout and was taking off my shoes and the calf muscle of the left leg cramped up…..HARD! If you've ever experienced this, you know how much pain that can be. If you don't know what it is, let me explain. (yes, I looked this up to make sure I was telling you correctly)
A muscle cramp is a sudden, uncontrolled contraction of a muscle. Leg cramps occur when the muscle suddenly and forcefully contracts.
If you've ever experienced this, you know what it is. If you haven't, and you are starting to train for something (physical), then always keep in mind that getting a cramp is a possibility.
To kind of sort of feel what a cramp in you calf muscle is, stand up on both feet. Then, with one foot flat on the ground, raise the ball of the other foot and put pressure on the forward part of the foot, near the toes. Now, focus on contracting the calf muscle on that leg. Do you feel it?
OK, now think of your body doing this at about 10x what you just did, and you can't control it! That's what a cramp is and believe me, it's painful. It will put you on the ground. This usually last for about 30-60 seconds. About the only thing you can do is scream in pain! (well, that's what I do. I'm sure I scared my neighbors!). Seriously, you should, as soon as possible, stretch that muscle….gently! Yes, I'm guilty of not doing anything gently. Also, massage it and put something warm on that muscle. A hot bath or hot shower works best.
I'm not trying to scare you, just making you realize that cramps are part of working out. Learn about them!
June 6, 2010
Posted in: Uncategorized
One Response
Andrew,
Your post is so timely for me! I read a blog earlier today that talked about walking to get rid of back pain, and quite honestly, I really need the exercise. Anyway, I went for a walk this evening with my husband – probably further than I should have since I don't make the time very often at all. We hadn't even gotten a third of the way and BAM! Cramp in the shin – ouch!!! The rest of the walk was very long, but we did stop often so I could stretch it out a little. Think I will take the 'warm soak' suggestion.
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