Cramps in the Calf Muscle While Bicycling
The exact cause of calf muscle cramps is still not certain, but several factors appear to trigger cramping. For example, if you're dehydrated, lack some crucial body salts, push yourself too hard or are simply a little older, you're more likely to suffer from a calf cramp. Cramps while cycling are often focused on the calf muscle. Cyclists frequently experience calf cramps when they push their physical limits too hard.
Cramping
Calves are one of the most common areas of the body to experience cramping. When your calf cramps while cycling, it may feel hard, start twitching rapidly and will almost certainly cause discomfort. For many, cramps mean sharp, unbearable pain as the muscle fibers twitch uncontrollably. However, cramps are usually not cause for serious concern. With a bit of stretching or massage, the pain often disappears and the muscle may return to normal -- though you'll probably feel a little stiff the next day.
- Calves are one of the most common areas of the body to experience cramping.
- When your calf cramps while cycling, it may feel hard, start twitching rapidly and will almost certainly cause discomfort.
Cycling Cramps
Cycling & Thigh Pain
Learn More
Calf cramps are among the most frequent complaints among long-distance cyclists. About 70 percent of male cyclists in a 100-mile bike ride suffered a cramp along the way, according to Cycling Performance Tips. The position of the foot on the pedal with the toes pointed down for long periods appears to contribute to calf cramping. If you often cycle for long distances in hot conditions, you're more likely to experience calf cramps.
- Calf cramps are among the most frequent complaints among long-distance cyclists.
- If you often cycle for long distances in hot conditions, you're more likely to experience calf cramps.
Flushing the Cramp
If the cramp is severe, you'll probably want to jump off your bike and stretch the muscle. However, according to physical therapist and cyclist Lulu Weschler, you can flush out the calf cramp while cycling. With calf cramps, the muscle usually seizes up when the toes point downward too long. So push your heel back on the pedal so that the toes point up. Sit on the saddle and use your other leg to do most of the pedal work, with the cramping leg only exerting power through the four o'clock to six o-clock positions. This can help relieve cramps in the calf muscle while bicycling.
- If the cramp is severe, you'll probably want to jump off your bike and stretch the muscle.
Prevention
What Causes Leg Cramps After Exercise?
Learn More
If you're not drinking enough water both before and during your cycle ride, you could make calf cramps more likely. Bring water with you while you ride so you can stay hydrated throughout. Because cramping may also be related to an imbalance in your body's salt level, drinking a sports drink containing electrolytes might also help. If you're riding in very hot and humid conditions, boost the sodium levels of your meals slightly a few days before the ride -- a couple of sprinkles of sea salt will do. Stretching your muscles before cycling can also help prevent cramping.
- If you're not drinking enough water both before and during your cycle ride, you could make calf cramps more likely.
Related Articles
References
- Cycling Performance Tips: Exercise-induced Muscle Pain, Soreness and Cramps
- Young G. Leg cramps. BMJ Clin Evid. 2015;2015
- Jahic D, Begic E. Exercise-associated muscle cramp-doubts about the cause. Mater Sociomed. 2018;30(1):67-69. doi:10.5455/msm.2018.30.67-69
- Waters TR, Dick RB. Evidence of health risks associated with prolonged standing at work and intervention effectiveness. Rehabil Nurs. 2015;40(3):148-65. doi:10.1002/rnj.166
- Skogar O, Lokk J. Pain management in patients with Parkinson's disease: challenges and solutions. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2016;9:469-479. doi:10.2147/JMDH.S105857
- Hallegraeff J, De greef M, Krijnen W, Van der schans C. Criteria in diagnosing nocturnal leg cramps: a systematic review. BMC Fam Pract. 2017;18(1):29. doi: 10.1186/s12875-017-0600-x
- Mcdermott MM. Lower extremity manifestations of peripheral artery disease: the pathophysiologic and functional implications of leg ischemia. Circ Res. 2015;116(9):1540-50. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.114.303517
- Blyton F, Chuter V, Walter KE, Burns J. Non-drug Therapies For Lower Limb Muscle Cramps. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; 1:CD008496.
- Grandner MA, Winkelman JW. Nocturnal leg cramps: Prevalence And Associations With Demographics, Sleep Disturbance Symptoms, Medical Conditions, And Cardiometabolic Risk Factors. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178465.
- Allen RE, Kirby KA. Nocturnal Leg Cramps. Am Fam Physician 2012; 86:350
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Sleep Related Leg Cramps. In: International Classification of Sleep Disorders, 3rd ed., American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Darien, IL 2014. p.299-303.
- Maquirriain J, Merello M. The Athlete with Muscular Cramps: Clinical Approach. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2007; 15:425.
- Chikazawa K, Netsu S, Akashi K, Suzuki Y, Konno R, Motomatsu S. Delayed diagnosis of single compartment muscle contusion after radical hysterectomy in the lithotomy position: A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2016;26:199-201. doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2016.07.057
- Fields KB, Rigby MD. Muscular Calf Injuries in Runners. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2016;15(5):320-4. doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000292
- Freedman BR, Gordon JA, Soslowsky LJ. The Achilles tendon: fundamental properties and mechanisms governing healing. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2014;4(2):245-55.
- Alessandrino F, Balconi G. Complications of muscle injuries. J Ultrasound. 2013;16(4):215-22. doi:10.1007/s40477-013-0010-4
- Picerno V, Filippou G, Bertoldi I, et al. Prevalence of Baker's cyst in patients with knee pain: an ultrasonographic study. Reumatismo. 2014;65(6):264-70. doi:10.4081/reumatismo.2013.715
- Baima J, Krivickas L. Evaluation and treatment of peroneal neuropathy. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2008;1(2):147-53. doi:10.1007/s12178-008-9023-6
- Petsche TS, Selesnick FH. Popliteus tendinitis: tips for diagnosis and management. Phys Sportsmed. 2002;30(8):27-31.doi:10.3810/psm.2002.08.401
- Stager A, Clement D. Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. Sports Med. 1999;28(1):61-70. doi:+10.2165/00007256-199928010-00006
- Mcdermott MM. Lower extremity manifestations of peripheral artery disease: the pathophysiologic and functional implications of leg ischemia. Circ Res. 2015;116(9):1540-50. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.114.303517
- Crum-cianflone NF. Bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral myositis. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2008;21(3):473-94. doi:10.1128/CMR.00001-08
- Somford MP, Hoornenborg D, Wiegerinck JI, Nieuwe weme RA. Are You Positive That the Simmonds-Thompson Test Is Negative? A Historical and Biographical Review. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2016;55(3):682-3. doi:10.1053/j.jfas.2016.01.021
- Pulivarthi S, Gurram MK. Effectiveness of d-dimer as a screening test for venous thromboembolism: an update. N Am J Med Sci. 2014;6(10):491-9. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.143278
- Bryan dixon J. Gastrocnemius vs. soleus strain: how to differentiate and deal with calf muscle injuries. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2009;2(2):74-7. doi:10.1007/s12178-009-9045-8
- Mackman N. Triggers, targets and treatments for thrombosis. Nature. 2008;451(7181):914-8. doi:10.1038/nature06797
- Muir RL. Peripheral arterial disease: Pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. J Vasc Nurs. 2009;27(2):26-30. doi:10.1016/j.jvn.2009.03.001
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Muscle Contusion (Bruise). Updated 2014.
- American Physical Therapy Association. Physical Therapist's Guide to Calf Strain. Updated Oct. 17, 2019.
- Childress MA, Beutler A. Management of Chronic Tendon Injuries. Am Fam Physician. 2013 Apr 1;87(7):486-90.
- Grabowski G, Whiteside WK, Kanwisher M. Venous Thrombosis in Athletes. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2013 Feb;21(2):108-17.
- Rainbow CR, Fields KB. Calf injuries not involving the Achilles tendon. Fricker P, ed. Updated Feb 7, 2019.
Writer Bio
Based near London, U.K., Peter Mitchell has been a journalist and copywriter for over eight years. Credits include stories for "The Guardian" and the BBC. Mitchell is an experienced player and coach for basketball and soccer teams, and has written articles on nutrition, health and fitness. He has a First Class Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) from Bristol University.