Cramping?
Let’s Talk About Sports & Exercise Induced Cramps
The 2022 Men’s World Cup Soccer tournament has seen a numerous amount of players on the ground, in non-contact, grabbing their legs. There has been a growing disconnect with players grabbing legs, arms, necks, backs after participating in games and matches. Most notable during this year's World Cup of Soccer which has brought together nations and fans from all over the world.
Mayo Clinic article cites,
“Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle strain or simply holding a position for a prolonged period can cause a muscle cramp. In many cases, however, the cause isn't known. Although most muscle cramps are harmless, some may be related to an underlying medical condition, such as: Inadequate blood supply.”
Soccer players have some of the highest levels of cardiovascular endurance in the world. As well, given the warm weather conditions, dehydration, and muscle fatigue are large factors, contributing factors to cramps in this year's World Cup of Soccer.
Symptoms on Field/During Sport
The beginnings of muscle cramps in the lower limbs, hamstring and calf muscles. Secondary symptoms consist of sudden, sharp pain, and what feels like the muscle is ‘balled up’.
In Severe Cases: Seek Medical
Happens infrequently if not supplemented or addressed
Associated with muscle weakness
Leg Swelling, redness or skin changes; saline IV may be required.
Not associated with current strenuous exercise
On Field Treatment-Acute
Stretching prior to match
Gentle Soft Tissue treatment
Immediate salt hydration mix
Post match heat or cold
B-Complex supplements in severe cases
Inadequate mineral or nutrition pre-match
Lack of hydration; insufficient nutritional balance/electrolytes
Athletes and workouts are requiring higher amounts of output from muscles, tendons, ligaments, that puts a higher requirement to produce at elite levels. The science that goes into correct training and nutrition profiling has allowed athletes to minimize instances of dehydration and ‘muscle cramping’ BUT when these factors are outweighed from factors NOT trained for, (1) Increment weather changes , (2) Muscle Deterioration, due to over/under training, (3) Poor nutrition preparation, (4) Previous Injury Maintenance, (5) Balance of Strength training and sports specific practice.
When competition or activities occur, even these occurrences are NOT always predictable and the body just cannot take the expenditure to demand ratio.
In conclusion, enjoy playing what you love, watch sports that you love, AND most of all, watch all the footy, soccer, football you can, The World Cup of Soccer only comes every 4 years.
If you require any ways of preparing for your sports activities and these problems are ones that you encounter, please book an appointment and let’s chat. Book a FREE video/phone consultation.