Should your legs still be sore a few days after cramping?

[EddieBrock]

My legs cramped after a hard match during the week, but it didn't cramp that bad and went away after 5 minutes or so.

The next few days I did yoga, Pilates and used a foam roller and felt fine. The day before I was going to play this weekend I didn't do anything.

When I played I was moving well and nothing bothered me but my legs got sore faster than normal and by the end I couldn't really keep pushing off for my serves or to run after shots. I was playing someone really good and making a lot of adjustment steps early, but I usually last longer than that.

Is there a recovery period after everything feels fine from cramping?

Also, any new info on ways to prevent it and what to do during it? I've done electrolytes before playing, during play, and been doing yoga and pilates to try to stretch everything out.

 

[Harry_Wild]

I had situations like this when I was playing USTA tournaments where matches were held in the morning hours followed up with another match in the afternoon on the same day. Basically, it was a total of 2-4 hours of competitive singles matches on 80+ F day(s).

I not a doctor, have no medical education or experience; but from my experience above, your muscles/body are still in recovery mode! It has experienced additional muscle stress and needs to heal and recover.

 

[Goof]

Yes. Depending on the severity, your muscles will have DOMS just like from a high volume weight workout for that muscle. I've had matches where I've played through cramps for almost a whole set, and it took at least a week to fully recover.

 

[GBplayer]

Are you getting enough vitamin D?

 

[EddieBrock]

Yes. Depending on the severity, your muscles will have DOMS just like from a high volume weight workout for that muscle. I've had matches where I've played through cramps for almost a whole set, and it took at least a week to fully recover.

Would recovery be similar to a workout then? Should I consider a protein bar or muscle milk or something like that? I wanted to play again early next week.

Are you getting enough vitamin D?

I think so. I play in the sun a few times a week and take a Vitamin D pill. I sweat a tremendous amount and have had problems with cramps since high school. Anytime I play hard on the court cramping is in the back of my mind. This last time I cramped driving home again but fortunately I was still able to handle all 3 pedals well enough to make it home. I was very tempted to pull over.

I basically had a list of foods to help with cramping and tried nearly all of them.

 

[GBplayer]

Would recovery be similar to a workout then? Should I consider a protein bar or muscle milk or something like that? I wanted to play again early next week.



I think so. I play in the sun a few times a week and take a Vitamin D pill. I sweat a tremendous amount and have had problems with cramps since high school. Anytime I play hard on the court cramping is in the back of my mind. This last time I cramped driving home again but fortunately I was still able to handle all 3 pedals well enough to make it home. I was very tempted to pull over.

I basically had a list of foods to help with cramping and tried nearly all of them.

I started taking 4000iu a day just over a year ago, it has really helped me to recover quickly.

 

[Turbo-87]

You may want to consider a supplement like Salt Sticks. They have worked for me since I lose more salt in my sweat than the average person. This won't help your current recovery but it could help with preventing future occurrences. Your muscles were under load a lot and suffering from cramping, which further stresses the muscle. Time and rest are what is needed at this point, but that's my opinion. I don't even play a doctor on TV.

 

[antony]

Try salt stick caps
You probably need more electrolytes

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

After a few days of camping, my legs are pretty sore from sitting on low seats, squatting and sleeping on the ground. I believe it's normal unless you are young

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Oh ... a few days after cramping!

 

[movdqa]

If I feel cramps coming on, I take a Magnesium tablet, either 200 mg or 500 mg. Problem solved. I've never had a cramp injury over a day.

 

[gofed]

I was playing soccer in the backyard with my daughter for a few days. Have noticed tightening, and felt a cramp coming on today while playing tennis.. Usually play singles twice a week, and doubles once. Was surprised at the impact of some fairly mild kicking/dribbling, I thought I was in better shape than that

 

[Turbo-87]

Trying sports with different movements reminds us of how many different ways we can stress a muscle. There is nothing an unstretched, middle-aged body likes better than explosive movements.

 

[antony]

Also make sure your protein intake is adequate

 

[EddieBrock]

Also make sure your protein intake is adequate

I have a smart scale and it shows my protein intake as on the high side.

In my last checkup I asked my doctor if there is any kind of blood test or anything to determine why I have such a problem with leg cramps after tennis and he said there's nothing he can. Just to keep myself hydrated with electrolytes and general nutrition and that I don't have any deficiencies.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

I was playing soccer in the backyard with my daughter for a few days. Have noticed tightening, and felt a cramp coming on today while playing tennis.. Usually play singles twice a week, and doubles once. Was surprised at the impact of some fairly mild kicking/dribbling, I thought I was in better shape than that

The kicking/dribbling may have been mild but they also are probably things your muscles aren't accustomed to. Different sports put different strains on different muscles in different degrees.

 

[antony]

I have a smart scale and it shows my protein intake as on the high side.

In my last checkup I asked my doctor if there is any kind of blood test or anything to determine why I have such a problem with leg cramps after tennis and he said there's nothing he can. Just to keep myself hydrated with electrolytes and general nutrition and that I don't have any deficiencies.

I haven’t cramped since taking saltstick caps, using treadlabs insoles, and taking protein, calcium, glucosamine, and denatured collagen supplements

 

[Rosstour]

Pedialite or Gatorade during a match, and have plenty of water. No exceptions.

I weigh 128-135 during playing season, and I drink at least 30oz of water during a match.

 

[stringertom]

I used to get hand cramps at night after a really tough shift while pedicabbing. My legs were fine but my fingers could lock up for minutes at a time, usually at least 2 to 3 hours after getting home. Two things I learned have made that problem go away:

1. Never lie down or sit for any period of time while recovering.

2. Get a real electrolyte replacement drink and continue to drink 2:1 ratio of water to that ERD. I’ve switched to the Pedialyte advanced formula that comes in a powder packet you mix with water. They recommend one packet per 16 oz of water. That ratio is too sweet for me so I usually dilute that packet in a quart of water.

Since I switched from Gatorade/Powerade I have had zero problems. It’s also probably due to committing to short walks every 30 minutes or so instead of sitting for any extended break. Inactivity for any length of time is the devil. Keep the body moving!

 

[antony]

just eat these https://www.amazon.com/SaltStick-Electrolyte-Replacement-Capsules-bottle/dp/B002IY96B0

 

[EddieBrock]

just eat these https://www.amazon.com/SaltStick-Electrolyte-Replacement-Capsules-bottle/dp/B002IY96B0

Has anyone else tried these Saltsticks?

I'm willing to try just about anything. Wish I could just focus on tennis and not have to worry about cramping in the car on the drive home. Sore legs a few days after and cramping at night are also annoying, but not dangerous like in the car.

Found these at Costco and I've used them a couple times and haven't had any problems yet. Seems like it has a lot of sugar so I'm not sure good it is for you.

 

[antony]

Has anyone else tried these Saltsticks?

I'm willing to try just about anything. Wish I could just focus on tennis and not have to worry about cramping in the car on the drive home. Sore legs a few days after and cramping at night are also annoying, but not dangerous like in the car.

Found these at Costco and I've used them a couple times and haven't had any problems yet. Seems like it has a lot of sugar so I'm not sure good it is for you.

Bro just order them and try them out, they're like $22. If we played together, I'd give you some to try. I got them after I suffered full-body cramps (ouch) at my first tournament entering my first doubles match after winning two singles matches .

There is 0 sugar in SaltSticks CAPSULES. Not sure about the chewables, but the idea of chewable SaltSticks is gross to me.