Group: Beginners to Exercise

Created: 2012/01/01, Members: 970, Messages: 18927

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Cramping when running...

afiltz
afiltz
Posts: 4
Joined: 2003/01/08
United States
2003/03/10, 02:15 PM
Lately when i've been on the treadmill after a couple minutes jogging my tibilias anterior tends to cramp up extremely bad. I cant even straighten out my foot. Should I stretch more before running, change how I run or what? Any tips would be extremely helpful.
Thanks.-Adam

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Dont do things you're gonna regret and do regret to do things you should.
kirby00
kirby00
Posts: 238
Joined: 2002/11/05
United States
2003/03/10, 02:36 PM
Ok, I had to look up where the tibialis anterior *was*...for anyone else, it's the shin muscle :o)

Some suggestions -
1. stretch
2. strengthen - biking is good for the shins (ask anyone who gets shin splints).
3. hydrate! some muscle cramps are due to dehydration.
4. check out your shoes. sometimes the outside looks okay (esp. if you just run on the t.m.), but the sole is worn.

good luck! i hope you're able to get rid of the pain. running should be fun!
afiltz
afiltz
Posts: 4
Joined: 2003/01/08
United States
2003/03/10, 04:03 PM
Thanks a bunch for the pointers. Trying to sound informed with the scientific terminology. :)
roni0906
roni0906
Posts: 1,008
Joined: 2002/01/24
United States
2003/03/10, 07:22 PM
Try eatin a banana about 30 minutes before you run. The potasium helps to keep the muscles from cramping. That is what I do if I plan on going for a long run and it seems to help. I heard it from some people at work.

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Lisa

Just laugh about it....
bdipab
bdipab
Posts: 20
Joined: 2003/03/10
United States
2003/03/10, 09:23 PM
you probably have shin splints. this is when you don't feel tired but for some reasons can hardly lift legs or the shins hurt. you might want to get some padded insoles. run on a track instead of uneven ground. bicycling or eliptical machines are great because they take the stress of shins and knees which you will be happy with when you get older.
Marx-22
Marx-22
Posts: 59
Joined: 2003/01/17
Canada
2003/03/10, 09:34 PM
I get shin splints all the time and I just a few months ago talked to my Fitness teacher in college about it. He suggested to make sure my shoes fit right and were good and to lower the intensity level of my running workout. I didn't do much about the shoes as I don't have 10 dollars to spend on shoes let alone the 40 needed to buy a decent pair. But I did slow down a bit and the pain didn't return. Now i gradually increased the intensity level and I am almost where i want to be without the shin splints

Hope this helps!

Mark


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He Who controls the past,
commands the future.
He who commands the future,
conquers the past.
- Kane
bdipab
bdipab
Posts: 20
Joined: 2003/03/10
United States
2003/03/10, 10:32 PM
when i had shin splints in high school the nurse bandaged my shins and ankles tightly. she said not to run on hard surfaces hence my suggestion of running on a track. i enjoy running but the damage it does to your knees and joints can be severe so hitting the cycle or runner at the gym is just a better choice. you might find that when you start running again you can do more.
afiltz
afiltz
Posts: 4
Joined: 2003/01/08
United States
2003/03/11, 11:52 AM
Would anyone have suggestions on what type of shoes to get that wont set me back too much. Like a specific shoe or even just a brand of shoe that would help with this problem. Thanks a lot.

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Dont do things you're gonna regret and do regret to do things you should.
bdipab
bdipab
Posts: 20
Joined: 2003/03/10
United States
2003/03/11, 01:03 PM
any sort of cross training shoes would be great. don't get running shoes because they are mostly for running so they have less padding and shock protection (hence why they are so light). cross trainers are for running on different surfaces so they are better built or keep the shoes you have and just use some gel insoles (around $8 bucks I think).
Carivan
Carivan
Posts: 8,542
Joined: 2002/01/20
Canada
2003/03/11, 07:51 PM
Check out saucony's. I usually get around 300kms out of a pair and I used to get sore heels all the time before I was recommended to try them. They are not that expensive. But, everyone is different.

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Peace on earth

Ivan Montreal Canada
Ravenbeauty
Ravenbeauty
Posts: 3,755
Joined: 2002/09/24
United States
2003/03/11, 09:59 PM
try reading this magazine and check out the previous issues. they talk about how to choose the right running shoe.

http://www.runnersworld.com/home/0,1300,,00.html?site=RunnersWorld

good luck

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Bettia.... When you feel like giving up, take it to the limit one more time!! You will SUCEED :-)
afiltz
afiltz
Posts: 4
Joined: 2003/01/08
United States
2003/03/14, 11:11 AM
Thanks for all the tips
Ravenbeauty
Ravenbeauty
Posts: 3,755
Joined: 2002/09/24
United States
2003/03/14, 11:56 AM
you are very welcome, once you get into it, running is an awesome hobbie. I love doing all the races whether its running or walking for all the different associations out there, heart walk, diabetes, cancer.. it makes me feel good to know that i am staying and helping with a cause at the same time. good luck!

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Bettia.... When you feel like giving up, take it to the limit one more time!! You will SUCEED :-)
kirby00
kirby00
Posts: 238
Joined: 2002/11/05
United States
2003/03/14, 04:05 PM
i disagree a little with bdipab - cross trainers aren't necessarily the best way to go. they're really heavy and more flat than running shoes that have a sort of curved sole. the r.w. article that raven beauty sent out should give you a good idea of shoes - look for something with more support and cushion. go with what feels best on *your* foot.
mrmagical
mrmagical
Posts: 302
Joined: 2002/12/12
United States
2003/03/14, 10:21 PM
For all you with treadmills Get It!!!
jxlynxli
jxlynxli
Posts: 250
Joined: 2003/01/29
United States
2003/03/16, 10:52 AM
stretching is a very important part of working out, makesure you are loose enough and makesure you feel comfartable the last thing you wanna do is become injured...
Relique
Relique
Posts: 187
Joined: 2004/03/17
United States
2004/03/19, 07:03 PM
bananas, lol I think it is the potasium or something, but they seem to help with cramps, or so I was told a while ago by someone, besides, bananas taste good too!

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Sean \"TBAR\" Johnson -USAF-