I am training for a triathlon and just recently, within 5-10 of running i am experiencing calf cramps and numbness of several toes...what's happening?

Back or Vascular: If after exercise you begin to experience cramps in your calves and numbness in your toes, there are two areas that need further investigation. 1. Vacular. Have a vascular surgeon or interventional cardiologist perform some non-invasive vascular studies to check and see if there is any vascular impairment to the lower extremities. 2. Possible lower back disc issue, also evaluate with ortho or neur.

May have: A neuroma which can cause numbness, burning and cramps to the toes. See your local podiatrist for diagnosis. Numbness is common with nerve entrapment . Hope this helps and good luck.

Get evaluated: You must also consider exertional compartment syndrome which is when the pressure within the muscles of the leg builds up during exercise creating numbness, tingling, and sometimes discoloration of the toes. If it becomes painful and does not improve then this is an orthopedic emergency. Otherwise it can be treated with a therapy program and orthotics. You must be evaluated to confirm this.

Many possibilities: Must consider many things such as shoes,terrain, surface hardness, intensity / speed, but most of all dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. If your urine is not clear or light yellow , but darker and/or hazy then it is a rough indicator that you are dehydrated. Monitor your fluid intake and output. Also, check with local coach and, or course, a sports medicine doc or neuromuscular doc. Good luck.