27th December 2002
How many tablets of calcium you take is not as much an issue as what FORM of calcium you take. Different types of calcium have different absorption rates. So what one form of calcium may require 500mg's, another form may require 1,500mg's to result in the same absorption rates. Some calciums only result in 2% absorption (meaning despite how much you swallow only 2% gets in).
Also, calcium needs to be taken with magnesium and vitamin D. Magnesium plays a HUGE role with regards to your muscles, and may be quite a large variable with regards to spasms.
It could also be an issue of electrolytes. You may need more potasium in your diet.
It could even by the result of a nerve impingement in your low back. You don't need to have low back pain for this to occur, because referred pain may result in calf pain, or even just toe pain, and nothing else.
You didn't state when or how this occurs, if it happens in your sleep, or if after working out, or with certain shoes.
Quinine has been used for ages to treat calf/leg cramps and is available over the counter, such as Q-Vel or in regular quinine water. (But discuss this with your physician first because it would be contraindicated in certain situations).
Calves are prone to cramping (ie: charlie horses) more than other muscles. We also use calves in every movement we make, and they are recruited in static contraction by just standing, especially while wearing shoes with higher heels.
There are a number of possible contributing factors which may be causing this. You can try stretching the calf using static contractions held for 30 seconds (no bouncing). This usually releases the cramp immediately (pull your toes up towards your knees, do not use your hands to do so, just flex your foot).
Also, calcium needs to be taken with magnesium and vitamin D. Magnesium plays a HUGE role with regards to your muscles, and may be quite a large variable with regards to spasms.
It could also be an issue of electrolytes. You may need more potasium in your diet.
It could even by the result of a nerve impingement in your low back. You don't need to have low back pain for this to occur, because referred pain may result in calf pain, or even just toe pain, and nothing else.
You didn't state when or how this occurs, if it happens in your sleep, or if after working out, or with certain shoes.
Quinine has been used for ages to treat calf/leg cramps and is available over the counter, such as Q-Vel or in regular quinine water. (But discuss this with your physician first because it would be contraindicated in certain situations).
Calves are prone to cramping (ie: charlie horses) more than other muscles. We also use calves in every movement we make, and they are recruited in static contraction by just standing, especially while wearing shoes with higher heels.
There are a number of possible contributing factors which may be causing this. You can try stretching the calf using static contractions held for 30 seconds (no bouncing). This usually releases the cramp immediately (pull your toes up towards your knees, do not use your hands to do so, just flex your foot).