Severe leg + foot cramps/stiffness (no injury??)

tedbragg · October 12th, 2009, 07:36 PM

Last two weeks I've been hit with very bad cramps and soreness in my calves, knees, ankles and arches. It feels like I've been out running in the heat and dehydrated, but my electrolytes are normal, and I'm not training my legs that hard, just normal walk/bike/etc...

Feet felt very heavy today while walking and shopping. Very stiff ankles and outer calf muscles. Wife's a massage therapist, but even her bear-like grip can't release the knots I'm feeling.

Any ideas?

**torofuerte** · October 12th, 2009, 07:50 PM

Lack of Potassium? Excess sodium? Are you overweight?

For something as massive as the calves, it's going to take several deep tissue massage sessions (and a lot of stretching) to get the knots outs. Sometimes you don't need to work your legs hard, but it's simply a matter of little things (like pronation, wrong shoes, wrong running/walking stride) accumulating over time.

Also, do you spend a lot of time in a specific position (standing, seated)? You should take close attention if you do - do a search on blood cloths if you spend a lot of time in a specific position (or if you travel/fly a lot).

**IMFREAKZILLA** · October 12th, 2009, 08:14 PM

are you warming up or stretching .. just wondering.

**ckn** · October 13th, 2009, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMFREAKZILLA

are you warming up or stretching .. just wondering.

That's a good point. I used to get huge lower limb problems because I was bulking up but not giving my poor tendons and ligaments any attention through stretching or warming up properly. I was recommended to take up yoga by a physioterrorist. Since then, I've managed to get good flexibility in my joints that has helped greatly, the enhanced warm-up I do means I get my muscles and joints running well before I start load-bearing work.

**RunningMan27** · October 13th, 2009, 11:28 AM

While this might be way off the mark, I think it is important to add that one of my friend's had an issue with his calves that required surgery. Something within his calves was preventing the muscles from expanding to the level they should be...this caused cramping throughout his lower legs. The surgery was quick and easy and he was back on his feet in very little time.

More than likely, I think it has to do with stretching / warming up or you may need to check the shoes you're wearing during excercise (and even work shoes if you're on your feet often).

How old are your running shoes? I find that after 6 months or so my feet start feeling the mileage in most running shoes...after I replace them my feet are better immediately.

Replacing your insoles may help - SuperFeet are outstanding insoles I use in several pairs of shoes for working out and working.