Elgin, IL
A 19-year-old female asked:
When working out for long periods of time i get leg and foot cramps, what can i do to help them or make them go away?
6 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Sarkis Barupiananswered
Family Medicine 42 years experience
Exercise: You are probably exercising too much, try to tone down a little as well as replacing your fluids and electrolytes. Build up slowly.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Shiroko Sokitchanswered
Holistic Medicine 39 years experience
Electrolytes: when you work out for a long time you have two things, you get dehydrated - which can cause cramps. Also magnesium and potassium get depleted when you work out too long. so you need to replenish both water and electrolytes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Albert Pizzoanswered
Family Medicine 62 years experience
Leg cramps: It may be that you are overdoing the amount of exercise and causing some trauma to your body. Be sure you are well hydrated and getting enought electrolytes. Be sure your footware is proper and you are working out correctly.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. John Michalskianswered
Orthopedic Surgery 38 years experience
Cramps with exercise: Consider lots of water, bananas & oranges for potassium, almonds for magnesium.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jan Lei Iwataanswered
Ophthalmology 28 years experience
Hydrate!: If you're going to be working that hard working out, lifting weights or cardiovascular interval training, you are creating a lot of lactic acid buildup in your system very quickly. This is causing the cramping you're feeling your muscles. You need to make sure that you are adequately hydrating a lot, in between the working out. Also take breaks and do not overdo your program, so you're not breaking down muscle fiber. Intense workouts should be spaced a day apart.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Katharine Coxanswered
Pediatric Emergency Medicine 47 years experience
Electrolyte solution: You may be changing the electrolyte balance in your body and you need to hydrate with an electrolyte solution to avoid a low sodium. Often water is not adequate. Resting or shorter workouts may avoid these symptoms.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 12, 2017
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.