Fucking Cramp in my Calf!

Played a lot of football, still do play and don't have any leg issues. Now that I'm boxing training seriously, I keep getting issues with either cramp, or cramp feelings in my calf.

I've had full blown cramp twice in 8 weeks and seem to have regular issues with the calf's in both legs, aching early in the session and I just can't stretch it out.

I'm sure its a common problem given the strain put on those muscles when boxing.

Any ideas? Lack of water, not enough something in my diet, simply not fit enough?

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Originally Posted by 0james0

Played a lot of football, still do play and don't have any leg issues. Now that I'm boxing training seriously, I keep getting issues with either cramp, or cramp feelings in my calf.

I've had full blown cramp twice in 8 weeks and seem to have regular issues with the calf's in both legs, aching early in the session and I just can't stretch it out.

I'm sure its a common problem given the strain put on those muscles when boxing.

Any ideas? Lack of water, not enough something in my diet, simply not fit enough?

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Do you stretch,

Yeah I make am effort to stretch for about 10-20 mins before we start, then they do warm up exercises to break us in, although recently that warm up has started with doing laps around the gym for 3, 3 minute rounds.

My rear leg gets it worse, which has always made me think it was just the strain of the exercise on it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 0james0

Yeah I make am effort to stretch for about 10-20 mins before we start, then they do warm up exercises to break us in, although recently that warm up has started with doing laps around the gym for 3, 3 minute rounds.

My rear leg gets it worse, which has always made me think it was just the strain of the exercise on it.

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You right footed. playing football.

Yes, still play at least one 40 minute game of a decent standard of 5 a side per week. Played twice last few weeks, but legs have been not bad.

I've only been boxing this time for 8 weeks, maybe its just one of those things now I'm 30, add to the collection of knocks and strains I've got dotted around my body from sport. Legs have always been pretty solid though, so this surprised me.

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Originally Posted by 0james0

Yes, still play at least one 40 minute game of a decent standard of 5 a side per week. Played twice last few weeks, but legs have been not bad.

I've only been boxing this time for 8 weeks, maybe its just one of those things now I'm 30, add to the collection of knocks and strains I've got dotted around my body from sport. Legs have always been pretty solid though, so this surprised me.

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Well you better start stretching a bit more. Whats happened is your stabilizing side for football isnt the same side for Boxing. different mechanics at the hip alters the posture and movement.Get quite a fewex footballers in who now play golf, with the same problem. ;D

Amazing, thanks Scrap, knew you could help!

Would you recommend me doing some daily stretching exercises to try and help the muscle be stretched? Or simply stretch it more before each boxing training?

This could explain a lot, I've also had some pain in my right hip recently, comes and goes, its generally there the day after a session. Feels like my leg bone is grinding into my ass/ hip socket. It makes sense that I'm now using my right side for stabilisation and putting twists in that its not had to do before (I've trained for boxing before, but now I'm actually training properly I'm doing twists my body just isn't used to)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 0james0

Amazing, thanks Scrap, knew you could help!

Would you recommend me doing some daily stretching exercises to try and help the muscle be stretched? Or simply stretch it more before each boxing training?

This could explain a lot, I've also had some pain in my right hip recently, comes and goes, its generally there the day after a session. Feels like my leg bone is grinding into my ass/ hip socket. It makes sense that I'm now using my right side for stabilisation and putting twists in that its not had to do before (I've trained for boxing before, but now I'm actually training properly I'm doing twists my body just isn't used to)

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Heres a football coach, I worked with mite Help https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEOYMP7QnDI Works for a big club in Manchester ;).

Amazing thanks Scrap.

I'm about as bendy as a paine of glass, so these will only help in other ways too.

(Sent while being twisted and stretched on the floor! :) )

My calf is sore because my leg is shorter than the other one, you may need a shoe lift.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 0james0

Played a lot of football, still do play and don't have any leg issues. Now that I'm boxing training seriously, I keep getting issues with either cramp, or cramp feelings in my calf.

I've had full blown cramp twice in 8 weeks and seem to have regular issues with the calf's in both legs, aching early in the session and I just can't stretch it out.

I'm sure its a common problem given the strain put on those muscles when boxing.

Any ideas? Lack of water, not enough something in my diet, simply not fit enough?

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low sodium. low potassium. too much lactic acid maybe.

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Originally Posted by showmi

My calf is sore because my leg is shorter than the other one, you may need a shoe lift.

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Bet you get headaches.

Without knowing you or seeing your work out and warm up routine, what I say is going to be guessing. Some will tell you that if your prone to cramping in the muscles, especially the calf area, that you should get some potassium tablets from a drug store or health store (over the counter). I personally, would recommend you try using a warming ointment like "Icy Hot" or Aspercream, or any lineament that warms the skin and muscle both before and after your warm up exercises. Hope that helps.