Don't Stretch
Cramps are caused by your muscles contracting
uncontrollably, and your natural reaction when a cramp sets in is to try
to stretch your way out of it. Resist the urge to elongate the muscle.
Stretching only puts your muscle through more strain, which could lead
to more pain.
FLEX INSTEAD
Leverage the intelligent approach: reciprocal
inhibition (RI). This is a nervous-system phenomenon that you can
activate yourself. When you contract the muscle on one side of a joint
hard enough, the opposing muscle—the one cramping, in this case—will
stop firing, easing the cramp.
LOCATE, THEN WORK IT OUT
If your cramp is located...
At the bottom of your foot: Lift your toes toward your shin.
Near your calf: Bend your ankle, bringing your foot toward your shin.
In your hamstring: Sitting or standing, fully extend your lower leg.
(Source: Bill Hartman, C.S.C.S., P.T.)
At the bottom of your foot: Lift your toes toward your shin.
Near your calf: Bend your ankle, bringing your foot toward your shin.
In your hamstring: Sitting or standing, fully extend your lower leg.
(Source: Bill Hartman, C.S.C.S., P.T.)
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