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Why Do Your Legs Cramp When You Walk or Run? Here’s What to Know


Cramps: what's the cause
Stretching

Causes of leg cramps during exercise and how to treat it quickly

Common causes for leg cramping whilst walking and running are:

  • Dehydration – Make sure you drink enough water, as the sudden increase in temperature and activity level can affect your body if it’s not hydrated enough. Drink plenty of water throughout the day as well as before and during your run.

  • Electrolytes – Low levels of magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium can cause cramps as muscles can contract but may not be able to relax.

  • Circulatory problems – Inadequate blood supply to active working muscles

  • Fatigue – Can also contribute to poor blood flow and energy

  • Nerve compression – Compression of nerves at the spinal cord level

  • Lack of warm-up – An adequate warm-up is important prior to exercise to ensure the muscles are ready and prepared for the strenuous exercise to follow

Quick treatments for cramps:

  • Immediately stretch the muscle that is cramping, holding the stretch until the cramp resides

  • Gentle massaging the muscle

  • Replacing fluids/electrolytes after strenuous exercise

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