[OldMan (OP)]

Nope I'm not refering to little cows but the fleshy bits between the ankle and the knees. I've had this trouble from time to time where when I'm running around my calves get really sore almost crampy but it feels a little different than a cramp. More like the lactic acid isn't getting out or something.

I tried having it massaged out a few weeks back and that kind of helped but not really. I would just deal with the pain but there are times like last night where it gets really bad.

What crossed my mind as a thought was perhaps I'm deficient in certain minerals or something. I seem to recall someone I know takes magnesium tablets because they get cramps and if they miss a day they tend to get them pretty quickly.

I don't know tell me your thoughts and expert opinions people. Any advice will be painlessly appreciated.

Tim

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A prism with an intellect, you throw your light selectively.

[chris]

Pain in your calves when you exercise can be a sign of arterial insufficiency - the medical term is claudication, from the latin word claudicare to limp.

It's common amongst smokers and diabetics, and analogous to angina (the squeezing pain felt in the chest when the heart doesn't receive enough blood).

Characteristically the pain comes on after a predictable amount of exercise - the so-called "claudication distance" and goes away with rest.

The problem underlying the condition is furring up of the arteries in the legs.

I don't know how old you are Tim, or your past medical history, so I've mentioned the above merely in passing. Assuming you are actually free of the significant risk factors (age being one of them) then it's much more likely to be a benign cramp !

Cramp is usually 'idiopathic', because we have no idea what is causing it, but it can also be triggered by (as you yourself suggest) electrolyte imbalances - particularly calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium - which can also be caused by dehydration.

Therefor the best advice is to ensure that you remain properly hydrated and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables which will help to sustain your electrolyte levels - bananas are a particularly good source of potassium !

Chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

[OldMan (OP)]

Thanks Chris.

Well being only 23 turns of this orb we exist on and a relatively clean medical history other than asthma and that nasty little virus that attacked the nerve leading to my infra and super spinatus last year, I would lean more towards the cramp side of things. You had me worried for a moment there.

I think generally I eat pretty well and for the most part stay pretty well hydrated but might have to start loading up on the bananas in particular.

Thanks again

Tim

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A prism with an intellect, you throw your light selectively.

[chris]

quote:Originally posted by OldMan

Well being only 23 turns of this orb we exist on

Tim, you have amazing language abilities for someone only 23 days old !

Chris


"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

[OldMan (OP)]

quote:Originally posted by chris

Tim, you have amazing language abilities for someone only 23 days old !

Chris


"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

Yes and a lot of people are surprised at how big i am and that i can run around at such a young age.

[:I] Oh man don't I feel like an ass. That obviously came out completely the wrong way!! I'm bury my head in shame now. [:I][:I][:I]

Tim