Calf Muscles Locking Up When Running

Anyone who's experienced a charlie horse knows that a muscle cramp can be very painful and debilitating. The condition is usually harmless, but when a muscle locks, it's nearly impossible to use the affected muscle. There are several reasons why a muscle will seize during a run. Nutritional factors, overworking a muscle and improper stretching can all contribute to a temporary calf muscle spasm. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help avoid this uncomfortable condition.

Athletes must be careful to consume sufficient fluids, carbohydrates electrolytes and minerals in their diets. Involuntary muscle contractions while running that occur in one specific muscle group are rarely caused by inadequate nutrition alone, but many people believe -- incorrectly -- that eating a banana during a marathon provides enough potassium to prevent muscle cramping. A lack of adequate nutrition and hydration, however, can make muscle spasms more likely to occur during activity. Because exercising depletes fluids, electrolytes and minerals, it's important to replenish them during and after exercising. It's also a good idea to fuel the body before workouts.

Cramping in a muscle or a group of muscles is often caused by hyperexcitability of the nerves around the engaged muscles. As muscles fatigue during vigorous exercise, a malfunction of the muscle contraction mechanism can occur, leading to an abnormal increase in the electric signals being sent to the motor neurons. These signals cause the muscles to contract, resulting in a spasm. It may seem odd, but energy is required to stop muscle contractions. Overexertion of a muscle inhibits calcium ions from interacting properly with specific proteins that cause muscles to relax. Conditioning the muscle with adequate training helps to prevent spasms related to overworked muscles.

When a calf spasm strikes during a run, stop and gently stretch the affected muscle. Stretching will help stop the intense muscle contraction and ease the pain. Gentle massage and applying heat can also reduce the cramping, but ice should be used once the muscle is no longer in spasm. To prevent calf muscle cramps during a run, be sure to warm up properly. Start each running workout with a light 10-minute walk or jog followed by active stretching. Active stretching engages the muscle opposite the one being stretched. To stretch your calf, face a wall and lean in at about a 45-degree angle, with one foot forward and the other in back, while bracing your hands against the wall at chest level. Alternate between dropping your rear heel down carefully and raising up on the ball of your foot. You should feel the stretch in the middle of the calf muscle.

Consult a doctor if calf muscle cramps during your runs persist, or are not alleviated with rest, stretching and proper nutrition and hydration. If you experience severe pain with cramping, see your doctor, as this may be a sign of something that requires medical attention. Your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications if other methods of relieving cramps don't work. Though spasms in your calf muscles when running are usually not a sign of anything more serious, your doctor may also run tests to rule out any other medical conditions.