tumbles86 asked:
I’ve been getting cramps in just my left leg when I ride lately (horseback riding – hunter). This has just kinda sprung up on me, although I’ve always had a pressure on my ankle (atleast for the last few months), and I sprained my ankle twice really badly about a year ago. Anyways, I’m getting cramps there, but I was just wondering if anyone knows why cramps happen, and how to prevent them? I’m drinking about 1-2 bottles of water during the day before I ride, then another few glasses afterwards. Any help would be apperciated!! Thanks! : )
horseback
horseback
I would ask that you consult a medical doctor. He may order several test. One may be to check for any type of nerve damage. Another test would be for hairline fractures. Some lab work might be a good idea to check your potassium levels. Sports drink arent a good idea as they usually contain quite a bit of sodium-salt, Also, some are sweetened. Your idea to drink your water.If you eat heavily before riding this could cause problems. Drinking alot of water could cause cramping too if you do it before the ride causes gastrointestnal cramping .A doctor would be able to help you with your problems. I hope you feel better and that you will find a resolution for your problem.
horseback
Leg cramps are often brought on by over exertion. Your obviously active and that is wonderful ! Your muscles sometimes tire out before you do unfortunately:-) Potassium is definitely an important factor as sometime with activity it becomes depleted.
I too suffer leg cramps from a condition I have. I find eating a banana (a good source of potassium) once a day helps to keep my levels up. Drinking water is fine but the better choice when you suffer from leg cramps is to drink Gatorade it is a wonderful rehydrater and another option also great for this is to drink an eight ounce glass of apple juice with a teaspoon of honey mixed in.
If you find your leg cramps hit at night while you sleep, be sure to keep your legs warm by keeping them beneath the blankets and avoid a fan blowing on them during the summer months. Warmth is the key to avoiding them at night. Also, if they are quite bothersome at night, place a bar of soap beneath your bottom sheet where your legs lie. It won’t be noticeable to you but will act as a massager while you sleep at night (this is also great for people with restless leg syndrome.)
I hope this was of help, I know how painful leg cramps are. Good luck to you and happy riding !
Juniee
horseback
if you are a active person , that can cause cramps ,its cause is from the lining of the utous, that’s what causes the period the utous is shedded each month best thing is a hot bath and a pain releiver sorry my spelling *****…..
horseback
If its muscle fatigue cramps try increasing your potassium intake. Are you strecthing before you go riding? stretching is very immportant.Although you are not actually running or walking you are applying pressure to stay on the horse. So you are using your leg muscles. if it doesnt get better see a doctor.