After putting in hours of work preparing for a big game or competition, cramps can be one of the most annoying and detrimental things to deal with. They can cause pain, loss of focus, and in many cases, a player to come out of the game.
What Causes Cramps?
Cramping is caused by decreased blood flow to the muscle, exercise during extreme heat or cold, and exercise without stretching, but the main cause is dehydration. If the balance of electrolytes in your cells is off, angry signals will be sent to your nerves and muscles. This triggers a cramp or spasm in the muscle.
Related: Athletes' Hacks for Getting Rid of Period Cramps
Prevention
There are several ways to cure or prevent cramps. Of course, drinking lots of water on the days leading up to an athletic event helps, but there are ways to be more certain that you will not cramp. Before a sporting event, a sports drink containing sodium and potassium can help keep the body hydrated during activity.
Eating a small pregame meal high in carbohydrates will give the body more energy, making cramps from fatigue less likely to happen. As preparation is essential, taking care of your body during activity is also vital in cramp prevention. Depending on your sweat rate, every pound you lose in sweat should be replenished with about sixteen ounces of water during a workout. Cramping is much easier to prevent in advance than to treat once the cramping has started. Taking a break from activity once you feel any signs of cramping can help avoid a severe cramp and help you finish the event.
Related: Fueling Your Body for Performance
Athletes' Bonus Tips for Prevention
Pickle juice is used by many athletes and is very effective in cramp prevention. Because of its acidity, muscles are signaled to relax when it is consumed. This can reset overstimulated muscle groups and help leg cramps significantly. This is a strategy that I personally used throughout my high school football career, and it worked like a charm.
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* Originally published on March 24, 2022, by Finn Rice
