Episode 44: Why Do You Get Muscle Cramps When Running?

Ever wonder why you get muscle cramps when running? We have the answers - or at least, as the theories behind why you may get crampign from running. After we start with a listener’s question about bathroom issues during runs, we dive into the theories of cramping, how to prevent muscle cramps, and how to get rid of muscle cramps when running if they happen.

Discussion points include:

• Muscle cramps vs stomach cramps vs side stitches (6:14)

• Different theories of what causes muscle cramps (8:16)

• How to treat mid-run muscle cramps (11:10)

• Training interventions to reduce risk of muscle cramps (14:14)

• Does magnesium prevent muscle cramps? (19:42)

• Do compression socks reduce muscle cramps? (22:21)

Episodes of interest: 

Electrolytes - Episode 12

Long run fueling - Episode 5

Marathon pacing - Episode 6

References:

PMID: 32956536

PMID: 31696455

PMID: 34185846