Exercise plays an important role in your overall health and longevity. With that in mind, most leading health authorities will advise you to aim to include at least 150 minutes of exercise into your life each week. However, knee cramps can quickly get in the way of obtaining this goal. Understanding the possible causes of cramps is the first step to overcoming them and getting back to a more comfortable workout.
Blood Vessels
If you have any form of heart disease or precursor to heart disease that involves narrowing of your arteries, this may contribute to formation of cramps in the muscles around your knees after you exercise. The muscles attached to the knee rely on oxygen and nutrients to create the energy needed to contract and relax. These nutrients and oxygen are supplied by your bloodstream. When problems like cholesterol plaque narrow the arteries, less blood can get to the muscle tissues at the rate needed to keep up with demand during exercise. The lack of these nutrients can result in muscle cramping.
Lack of Water
If you are not drinking enough water before, during and after you exercise, dehydration may also be a factor in your knee cramps. The muscles supporting your knees need adequate hydration to function, as does your bloodstream to maintain blood volume. The lack of adequate water in the muscle can lead to muscle cramps. Serious dehydration leading to less blood volume can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching the muscle tissue, contributing to cramps as well. Drinking 2.7 liters of water for women and 3.7 liters for men each day can ensure you stay hydrated.
Compressed Nerves
Muscle cramps around your knee can also be a result of compressed nerves, especially in your spine. The compression of the spinal nerves, also known as lumbar stenosis, can produce muscle cramps all the way down in your legs, which can be worsened by even light exercise like walking,
Mineral Imbalance
Your muscles rely on a balance of minerals to operate correctly, especially minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium. When these levels drop too low, leg cramps can develop. There are a couple different ways that you can ensure balance of these minerals through exercise such as drinking sports drinks, coconut water, or just getting adequate nutrition through foods like dairy products, bananas and oat bran.
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