Wow waht a cramp

[wallwins]

Does any one know of any streches for cramping in the thie/hip area.I never kow when it's going to happen but when it does boy do I look silly riding down the road standing up (all so not very safe either).

[Targetman]

I read an article once that said to take an aspirin before a long ride to lessen cramping, I'm going to try it this year ( I get them in the hamstring). good luck.

[hamjam]

standing up, I thought I was the only one who did that you must have seen me in the east end standing up on the way back from 'Timmies' in port Perry
Jim

[sixtysix]

I also get the dreaded 'hip cramp' as well some times , errr so what's the solution???

[Ironride]

I get the cramp in the hip too and it doesn't seem to matter which one of my bikes I'm on. I really think it may have to do in part with how folded my legs are. I often wondered if forward controls wouldn't help. I may have to tinker with that this year.

[jasonwatkins]

Try this:
Get her up to about 100mph and stick yer legs out when the wind catches em it'll stretch em out pretty good. Otherwise from riding dirtbikes most of my life aspirin and OJ in the morning with gatorade at stops instead of beer.
Jason.

[captjerry]

Ibuprofin before a long ride works
for me.

[jkgrubbs]

My son, the sports feind, eats a bananna or two, lots o'potassium, to cut cramps.

[heckertb]

And I thought I was the only one! I'll try the aspirin, thought I was going to have to try something drastic like exercise!

[Nulle]

Watch the bananna consumption as it may well loosen up more then the cramps LOL

[dwales]

Exercise?
Like 12 oz. at a time?

[jkgrubbs]

Mmmmm, good, both have lots o'fiber

[RiskyBusiness]

Originally posted by Nulle
Watch the bananna consumption as it may well loosen up more then the cramps LOL

Nanners are excellent but don't forget water. Many people have cramps because they don't get enough water. You peeing clear? If not try more water. It may help your cramps.

-j

[Wayne]

Here are a few notes on cramping I found:

__________________________________

There are many reasons for the cramping and most all are avoidable.

Dehydration:
Drink fluids before, during, and after the ride. Our bodies perspire even in the wind, and especially during summer months. Some people lose more fluids than others, and therefore also require more water.
Treatment: You should be sure to have replacement fluids. Best bet is water or sport drinks. NOT BEER! It will tend to dehydrate you more. Also stay away from coffee and cokes if you can.

FATIGUE:
As the muscles fatigue, there is an increased tendency for the exact mechanism of why this is so is still being debated in the scientific literature. Suffice it to say that people have reported fewer cramps as they get in better shape and when they incorporate a good stretching routine.

Treatment: Stretching exercises for the lower extremities (quadricep muscles, hamstrings,calves,feet). These should be performed daily, and especially before riding.

ELECTROLYTE DEFICIENCIES:
While most people who eat properly are meeting the daily requirements for nutrients, including electrolytes, it is possible that our intake is not sufficient for the amount and type of exercise we perform. The most commonly implicated electrolytes are potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Treatment: Eat one banana per day. Bananas are high in potassium and easy to eat on the run.
Eat foods rich in calcium and magnesium, such as dairy products and green leafy vegetables. You may also consider a calcium/magnesium supplement.
You may be helped by an electrolyte replacement drink during practice.

Once the muscle is cramping, about the only things you can do is to stretch it and massage it until it relaxes and lets go. Some people find that icing the muscle helps as well.

It is important to remember that if leg cramps persist, one should definitely see a medical doctor. There may be some serious underlying disorder, such as vascular disorders, and others , that may be causing the cramps. Those conditions can only be diagnosed with a serious work-up.

___________________________________________

Some of you guys may find this a bit unorthodox, but I have heard that taking Midol (Women's medicine for cramps) also helps. It is supposed to be really effective. Never tried it myself.

Wallins, I don't know what bike you ride, but if you have crash bars, then get a set of highway pegs. It really helps to be able to stretch out with those. I even lay my legs on them with my feet off the ends for a really good stretch.

Hope this helps.

Ride Safe.