Leg cramps are something that everyone has experienced from time to time, but bike riders may experience them more frequently because of how much they use their legs. Leg cramps typically are more of a nuisance than harmful to your health, but if you experience these cramps frequently, contact your doctor to determine a cause and course of treatment.
Identification
A cramp is easy to identify when it occurs in your leg while riding your bike. You will feel a sharp pain caused by your muscle involuntarily contracting. The pain is usually severe enough that you will be forced to stop pedaling your bike. If you touch the cramped area, you often can feel a large knot in your leg. In some cases the knot will be visible.
Cause
The exact cause of cramps is unknown, but there are several factors that possibly cause cramps while riding your bike. If your bike has been in storage for a while and you're just beginning to ride again, your body not being conditioned could be the cause of your cramps. Riding on hot days could increase your risk of cramps because sweat depletes your electrolytes. Dehydration can also lead to cramps. Tight muscles that have not been appropriately stretched before riding are also more susceptible to leg cramps. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, aging plays a role in the duration of your cramps because you naturally lose muscle as your grow older, which makes muscles easily fatigued. In some cases, inadequate blood supply or nerve compression can cause a leg cramp.
Treatment
A leg cramp will typically disappear on its own, but there are things you can do to ease the pain. Stop riding your bike and find a spot to rest while you simultaneously stretch and massage the cramped area until the knot disappears. Heat also can help a tight muscle. If the muscle is still sore when you get home, rest your legs and apply ice to the tender area.
Prevention
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, you can avoid muscle cramps by warming up with a light jog for five minutes and then by stretching your leg muscles. You should always warm up your muscles before stretching. If it's the beginning of riding season, gradually increase the intensity and duration of your bike rides to help improve your muscle conditioning and avoid muscle fatigue. According to the MayoClinic.com website, taking vitamin B complex may help manage leg cramps. If you are training for a bike riding event, always train to the level of anticipated activity, according to Dr. Richard Rafoth of Cycling Performance Tips.
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