Help with leg cramps and frequent muscle pulls

[lindsayanne0]

I've noticed lately that I'm easily getting cramps in my calves when I stretch. I'm also noticing that I'm easily pulling muscles in my legs even when I stretch before working out. Anyone have any suggestions as to what I may be lacking or supplements to help with this? Thanks!

[not2late]

Re: Help with leg cramps and frequent muscle pulls

I've noticed lately that I'm easily getting cramps in my calves when I stretch. I'm also noticing that I'm easily pulling muscles in my legs even when I stretch before working out. Anyone have any suggestions as to what I may be lacking or supplements to help with this? Thanks!

You should see a physician. Leg cramps can be due to things like vitamin deficiencies, poor circulation or even blood clots. So to be safe, it's best to see a physician to determine the cause and best treatment, especially if you are already taking a multivitamin and/or individual supplements.

[msanjelpie]

Re: Help with leg cramps and frequent muscle pulls

Magnesium is the supplement that will help with leg cramps.

Magnesium plays a role in nerve impulses to the muscles, but is more important for strength and endurance. Low magnesium will result in muscle fatigue and weakness. Recommended dose - 400 mg per day at least.

Since we aren't eating bread and other foods that we normally get magnesium from, we can start getting leg cramps on Atkins...

Are you taking any multi-vitamins at all?

[neutronnorman]

Re: Help with leg cramps and frequent muscle pulls

You should see a physician. Leg cramps can be due to things like vitamin deficiencies, poor circulation or even blood clots. So to be safe, it's best to see a physician to determine the cause and best treatment, especially if you are already taking a multivitamin and/or individual supplements.

I'd hedge my bets it has to do with electrolyte balance; magnesium and potassium are the usual suspects. But do follow Not2late's advice an definitely seek medical advise.

I supplement everyday with magnesium and calcium. I never recommend K+ because it can be dangerous. Go see a doctor, it is your best bet.

A couple of weeks ago, I had my own scare and followed Not2late's advice about seeing a doctor. It turned out to be a false alarm and I'm glad I went.

[not2late]

Re: Help with leg cramps and frequent muscle pulls

Since we aren't eating bread and other foods that we normally get magnesium from, we can start getting leg cramps on Atkins...

Actually we DO eat magnesium rich foods on Atkins...even during Atkins Induction. Magnesium Rich Foods

1 cup of cooked spinach has more magnesium than 1 slice of whole wheat bread.



PS. Be careful if you choose to take magnesium supplements. Magnesium is a used to relieve constipation, so if you overdo it, you might need to carry around an extra pair of underpants.

[SunnySmile501]

Re: Help with leg cramps and frequent muscle pulls

Most of the population of the US is magnesium deficient. In a perfect world, our foods would contain the proper nutrients, but the soil is worn out and depleted of nutrients. Do yourself a favor and take magnesium suppliments and add some salt substitute to your daily meals. After you have some blood work to make sure that is all it is.

[liv]

Re: Help with leg cramps and frequent muscle pulls

my multivitamin usually fixes these things for me.

[lindsayanne0]

Re: Help with leg cramps and frequent muscle pulls

Thanks all! I'll check in with the doc about it and also try and get in more magnesium rich foods.

[chinadoll]

Re: Help with leg cramps and frequent muscle pulls

ALso, stretch AFTER working out while your leg muscles are still warm from exercise and do so again after a hot bath or shower. Its something most of us neglect (I am guilty of this too) but I have noticed that when I do my stretching several times a day I don't get those niggling muscle problems nearly as often.