Leg cramps during jogging can be more than just frustrating and painful -- they can also be debilitating, making it almost impossible to continue your workout. Because they can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious condition, it is important to understand why leg cramps occur during jogging -- and how they can be treated and prevented.
Definition
Leg cramps are sharp contractions or spasms of one or more of the muscles or tendons in the legs. They can occur suddenly during or after a long period of exercise such as jogging, causing excruciating pain and discomfort. Leg cramps can make it impossible to use the affected area of the leg, resulting in temporary loss of mobility. You can sometimes see or feel a hard clump of tissue beneath the surface of the skin.
Causes
You can develop cramps in the legs during or after jogging if you overuse the muscles in your legs. According to the Merck Manuals, joggers in particular often experience exercise injuries such as leg cramps from rapidly increasing the length or intensity of a workout. In addition, dehydration, especially if jogging in warm weather, can cause the muscles to spasm. A mineral deficiency such as a calcium or potassium imbalance can also result in exercise-related leg cramps.
Treatments
To treat leg cramps related to muscle overuse, make sure that you warm-up and cool-down for about five minutes before and after jogging. You can do this with a brisk walk. Take breaks as needed, making sure not to push yourself too much. To avoid dehydration-related muscle cramps, drink 8 oz. of water every 15 minutes of your workout. For a calcium or potassium deficiency, consume potassium-rich foods like bananas and calcium-fortified products two times a day.
Warnings
Although muscle cramps are not usually dangerous, they can sometimes be symptoms of an underlying medical problem such as inadequate blood supply, nerve compression, anemia, diabetes, hormone disorders, hypoglycemia or problems with the thyroid or kidneys. Although a vitamin B supplement can sometimes help treat leg cramps, more research is required before this can be confirmed. Always consult with your doctor before taking any kind of dietary supplement.
