Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

health questions!

Interest forums / On Your Bike

hi!just started riding after two years hiadus.i get terrible leg cramps when i finished my ride.the pain is unbearable sometimes.does anybody know any solutions.maybe i didn't stretch enough or my nurtition is wrong.thanks for any help.

Cramp is normally caused by salt deficiency. Sport rehydrate drinks help. A drink with plain salt should bring near immediate relief.

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also dehydration. I used to get cramps when i never drank water, just coffee. Now that i drink water as well, i never get cramps.

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Salt has helped me too. I was riding in the hot weather in Singapore, drinking enough water, but got cramps afterwards anyway.

As I don't like the taste of sportsdrinks, especially when really exhausted, I get nausea from sportsdrinks, so I take salt tablets before leaving.

A good idea is also to keep moving a little afterwards. Just lying on the sofa after an exhausting ride promotes cramps.

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Eat bananas if possible to help with potassium intake, keep a good balance of salt in your diet and drink plenty of water. As above Ibuprofin can help in moderation - just don't use it as a habit.
I'm not sure what your riding habits are, but a cool down period is a good idea. Ride more slowly as you appraoch your final destination.

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and sounds obvious but make sure your seat is adjusted to the right height so that while pedalling, your legs aren't constantly bent. at the bottom of a revolution your leg should be properly outstretched.

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