For the millionth time...What to do about leg cramps!?

Thanks everybody!

Anna

Yup... Potassium  is what you probably need... make sure to eat a banana a day ;)

Hi,
I had them so bad last night in my inner thigh, I couldn't even walk.  When I have them in my lower legs/feet, my feet get pulled in such awkward directions.  Next time it happens, I'm taking a pic of it to show my PCP (so she can see that I'm not exaggerating).  I was told to try Mag-Ox ( a magnesium supplement).  It seems to help, when I'm regular about taking it.  I missed a couple of days this week, while trying to find it at the pharmacy.  That's probably why I was having problems again last night.  I see everyone pretty much posted about potassium, but thought I would add the magnesium, too.
Good luck, I feel your pain!
Karen

Hey. Ultra endurance athlete checking in to give you some help.

There are 4 main electrolytes which will prevent cramping:
1. potassium
2. sodium
3. magnesium
4. calcium

When I get into long distance training and racing (I've completed 2 Ironman triathlons) I have to make sure to take a daily magnesium supplement.

Also-in training and racing I take electrolyte pills...aka...salt pills. It's mainly sodium, but it has some pot. and mag. too. Salt stick caplets is the brand I use...

Also, like everyone else said...stay HYDRATED! But...be careful...you don't want too much water and not enough electrolytes in your system...that's hyponatremia (I've gotten it a few times). That's really dangerous...