The worst CRAMP ever!!!

[OAKLEYFOX]

Hi Guys and Gals,

Just come accross your wonderfull site and was hoping you could offer me some advice...

I've been riding for approx 8 years alltogether, however ive just started back after a year out. The problem i'm having is i get extreme cramp in my lower calf near my ankle which get worse once ive dismounted. Saturday gone the pain was that bad i was rolling around on the living room floor in agony and no amount of stretching would get rid of it. It last for about 2 or 3 hours then gradually gets better.

Ive tried stretching before i ride, but this hasnt helped so far...

Don't know if it would make a difference but i ride in Mountain Horse Joddy boots and short chaps...

Much appreciated
Gem

[xXSundanceBayXx]

i'm no expert but:

If you ride in long boots it could be that, i changed to short boots and 1/2 chaps and find them way more comfy.

Or you could try lengthening your stirrups a bit.

I'm not really helpful sorry.

ps welcome to NR :D

[galadriel]

You could try gently stretching your calf when you're not riding. This may help it to deal with the stretching you do while riding.

You could try putting your stirrups down a bit, and see if a less extreme bend at the ankle helps.

I used to get random calf cramps, was told that it was a symptom of potassium deficiency. If you get really terrible muscle cramps, perhaps there's something nutritional going on--might be worth enquiring of a doctor.

[k8schmutz]

have you tried taking you feet out of your stirrups regualary(sp?) and sort of twirling and stretching them? Maybe your cutting off the if you have your heels jammed down in the stirrups too muc?

[rabbit]

I can sympathise, my asthma inhalers have a side effect of muscle cramping.

Once I had a calf cramp while riding and it was so bad I couldn't steer the horse and it went right over a cavaletti that was in the middle of the arena.

I ended up on the horses neck :D

I've heard that calcium and magnesium can help with cramps, and also quinine.

[fair~filly]

That's how I felt for the weeks before my Achilles went :(
Might not be the same in your case though......do you suffer from cramp in normal non riding days...??
2-3 hours after excercise is a bit extreme though...usualy cramp eases after a wiggle of the feet & legs.
Make sure you're hydrated....& not lacking in salt etc...& if the cramp is in your calf don't rub it as it makes it worse.
Pulling your toes up should help it too.
(I've had all this drummed in by my sports physio..!!)

F~F xxx

Horses are Us© (http://horse.notlong.com)

[OAKLEYFOX]

Thanks for the advice guys, This week no cramp at all. Ive started stretching before going to the livery on a morning and drinking plenty of lucozade.

Thanks again,
Oakley :)