Nice video. I teach physiology at a medical school and ive worked in areas related to this. I've spent a lot of time over the years looking at the literature on this. Surprisingly at a cellular level we don't actually know why cramps occur. Surprising until you start to think about how one could go about studying it. Among othervthings, there is no animal model. Several mechanisms have been proposed and they are not mutually exclusive. The thing about cramps in calf muscles would not be that the arterial circulation is compromised, it would be the venous side. So that would suggest that it's not a limitation in things going TO the muscles, it is a reduction in things getting TAKEN AWAY. A theory I like is that microdamage of the muscles causes release of proteins that have a retrograde effect on the motoneurons causing spontaneous release of transmitter and burst firing. There a bunch of possible molecular candidates. To me this this seems more plausible than the spinal models, but of course my intuition could very easily be wrong. Really severe dehydration could cause the perineurium to shrink causing neurons to fire spontaneously but as you say, this is almost never the issue. Anyway, this is the best video I've seen on the subject.
thanks for this, I have been suffering calf cramps in Zwift races and real life crit races. Have moved cleats back a touch and now will try lowering the seat. very informative
I get neuro cramps in random muscles only when doing super easy recovery rides. Seem to need some moderate pressure through the feet or my spine just doesn't like it. This info regarding neuro transmitters may explain it, as it is not caused by over stressing the muscle or position. BTW I had a bike fit with Neil approx six months ago, and it was money well spent. Have more power, and can now complete 120km rides in good time. Severe knee pain is gone. Since the fit I get a few comments from fellow cyclists recommending my seat be lifted. (Neil dropped it 23mm) Since the fit I notice lots of riders out there on bikes too big for them, and lots of high seat positions and hip rocking going on. Go and see Neil and get educated. He's a guru.
We’re open! I finally went to Neill a month ago, he found a significant functional discrepancy that was twisting me on the bike. 4 weeks later after the fit tweaks and strength exercises, I am feeling very comfortable and putting out more power. I am looking forward to my next 4hr plus race to see if my hamstring cramping issues are fixed too!
I typically get quad cramping after ~2 hours of riding when get out of saddle to peddle. Usually with over extension. I hydrate well when I ride. What do you think is using this?
I seldom cramp on rides but, do tend to get cramp mostly in my hamstrings several hours after. Not every time but, it happens often enough. I always do a cool down on my turbo trainer, do some exercises to stretch off and drink as much as I can.
Interesting video, i'm training for an endurance event and regularly suffer with cramp, predominantly in my right calf. I'll be having a play with cleat position and saddle height as a start and integrating more intensive type specific training thank you!
This is definitely the case for me. I'll ride for 3-4 hours continuously with no issues. As soon as I make my way back into the city, I have to start stopping for intersections and general traffic. This is when I usually get these calf cramps. I now stretch regularly during my rides and it hasn't seemed to come back. Thanks for the info!
I suffer from excruciating cramps in my adductors after 50 mile rides. I get ultra cramps in my quads and hamstrings going up 10% hills for an hour or so. The pain is so bad I can’t walk 5 paces. The muscles ache for 48 hours afterwards. I tend not to get calf cramps. Any suggestions?
Great video and matches my experience that an incorrect bike position and 'race day' efforts that didn't match my training cause my cramping. I'd be interested to hear what could cause adductor cramping only on one side?
This is interesting regarding Q-factor and stance width as the two are not always the same. If the stance width is too wide then you get medial knee pain, right? What if you get medial knee pain AND medial quad cramps after an hour or so of riding? Also, at what point in time after making position changes and allowing the body to adapt do you start worrying about excessive cramping? So I have 59 mm Speedplay Zeros. They are at about 58 mm on the left and 59 mm on the right. I am feeling some medial pain in both knees and I am thinking of moving each foot 1 mm inward to alleviate the issue. However, after ~ 1.5 hours of riding (and hydrating) If I stand to pedal I get quad weakness/cramps medially. I have recently lowered the saddle ~5mm, which alleviated back pain and I also flipped my stem back to a 7 degree angle. This fixed back pain and shoulder/neck pain as I think I was too upright in the cockpit. I have also brought me cleat back and this has eliminated any calf issues. I think I am real close to perfecting my fit. What do you think?
Cramp is a situation when negotiation between cyclist and legs break down, and legs goes on strike. Never had cramp before, I knew when legs reach the limit they would make a periodic little spasm to tell me to back down.
Really good vlog - question for Neil - how big an adjustment in cleat position do you start with?? I get calf cramps on my TT bike and not on my road bike - does that mean I should adjust for each??
How did Neil cope with his cramps caused by the hard pedal if/coasting during races? I have the same problem during hard road races and can’t get rid of it.
What about the science on the pickle juice, plenty being handed out up the back of falls on 3peaks day! I often get cramps in the foot post ride, is that a sign of arch support issues?
Never got cramps on my bike in more than 25 years. That said I experience lately real pain after 100 plus km trips at the end, when I stand up to paddle uphill. The feeling your muscles are pushed to hard and stop working. I wonder if food could help here for older riders.
I suffer from excruciating cramps in my adductors after 50 mile rides. I get ultra cramps in my quads and hamstrings going up 10% hills for an hour or so. The pain is so bad I can’t walk 5 paces. The muscles ache for 48 hours afterwards. I tend not to get calf cramps. Any suggestions?
I'm trying to work out why I got cramp in both of my thighs; on the inside, maybe the gracilis muscles. If it's a positional issue, is it height too high or low, or too far fore or aft? I didn't feel any quad or hamstring burn
My leg cramps after 25 miles of hilly terrain. Just my right one, though. I've lowered saddle, I'm super hydrated with all sorts of electrolytes, but still, it locks up. What is happening to me? It's only the one leg.
Im no expert but measure your leg bone lengths. (Look up online how i do it) Its quite common for people to have one leg longer than the other by varying lengths which would make one leg work harder than the other due to the imbalances.
I’ve started getting the same thing. Weird feeling in my right shin. If I don’t stop it travels down my leg into my foot; causing my toes to curl. I think there is some fatigue in my right hip flexor as well that maybe contributing? I’ve got new shoes and put my cleats way back. Fully hydrated and SIS chew blocks on the bike. The issue seems to be time dependent and also, like someone mentioned, aggravated by trying to cycle at low watts. If I don’t stop my leg locks up. Very frustrating as everything else is totally fine!
So leg cramps at night with a low resting HR is a sign of a heart problem? ....pretty sure I'm not pregnant....I'm 51 and my resting HR is around 45bpm and have had small Afib events, never thought the two were connected tho....
I'm another sub 50 resting HR and 50+ age who often get those night-time cramps, My Garmin tells me my VO2Max is in the top 1% for my age group. It all makes sense now! Will try more water before bed time, what else to do?
NHS is exploring the biofeedback angle and is investigating why vinegar/spice combos appear to immediately stop some cramps. Niel alluded to this when he spoke about cramps all over. I found an overloading issue which caused the interior quad to 'suddenly ' cramp. Repositioning my cleats inboard helped to reduce the overload and prevent the cramp.
Time to blame the heat! I don't typically get cramps, but I got a hellacious one about 90 miles into a 100 mile ride, just after passing 4 hours on the bike. The day had started around 15 degrees, but within two hours it was over 35 and it was over 40 when I got a cramp.
Electrolyte imbalances. Sodium and calcium make muscles contract. Magnesium and potassium make them relax. High carb diets deplete potassium quicker. We need almost 6000mg of potassium a day bare minimum. Potassium and magnesium at proper levels fix cramping. Not saying Neil is wrong about what he says.
Bang on Ryan. Potassium is "effectively" consumed at a faster rate than sodium. I fill my water bottle with a teaspoon of lite salt which has high levels of potassium compared to sodium. No cramps for me and I used to suffer from cramps all the time.
I mean. How to train - stop start pedaling? :) I am a cramp guy for 20 years. I get cramps even after 40 minutes of race..but i can do training likd 350 km no issues. All trainers gave up on me. I tried intervals, shorter training, simulations of race....nothing..kind of gave up. I am called a "cramp " guy.
Very interesting. I have violent cramps sometimes when cycling. I do a lot of cross fit, rowing and lifting, so I don't exercise enough on the bike. That's the main cause. But... when I use Creatine I get cramps ALL THE TIME, except when taking 400mg magnesium / day with it. Consistently. Always cramping the medial quad. So I guess I will try the tips at the end.
Bike fit huge but I’ve seen world elites cramp. Pretty sure their bikes a flitted to perfection. Maybe the nube who just bought a bike at the shop should get a proper bike fit. Many reasons for cramping. Bike fit isn’t first
Nice video. I teach physiology at a medical school and ive worked in areas related to this. I've spent a lot of time over the years looking at the literature on this. Surprisingly at a cellular level we don't actually know why cramps occur. Surprising until you start to think about how one could go about studying it. Among othervthings, there is no animal model. Several mechanisms have been proposed and they are not mutually exclusive. The thing about cramps in calf muscles would not be that the arterial circulation is compromised, it would be the venous side. So that would suggest that it's not a limitation in things going TO the muscles, it is a reduction in things getting TAKEN AWAY. A theory I like is that microdamage of the muscles causes release of proteins that have a retrograde effect on the motoneurons causing spontaneous release of transmitter and burst firing. There a bunch of possible molecular candidates. To me this this seems more plausible than the spinal models, but of course my intuition could very easily be wrong. Really severe dehydration could cause the perineurium to shrink causing neurons to fire spontaneously but as you say, this is almost never the issue. Anyway, this is the best video I've seen on the subject.
Mate I like that theory - had never thought of that but it does make sense potentially. Super, super hard to study yeah :-( - N
thanks for this, I have been suffering calf cramps in Zwift races and real life crit races. Have moved cleats back a touch and now will try lowering the seat. very informative
Been trying to find good info on cramping related to cycling. This is definitely one of the best and based on good research. Well done, and thank you!
This is one of the most useful RUclips videos I've ever watched! Thank you so much! ♥️♥️♥️
I get neuro cramps in random muscles only when doing super easy recovery rides. Seem to need some moderate pressure through the feet or my spine just doesn't like it. This info regarding neuro transmitters may explain it, as it is not caused by over stressing the muscle or position. BTW I had a bike fit with Neil approx six months ago, and it was money well spent. Have more power, and can now complete 120km rides in good time. Severe knee pain is gone. Since the fit I get a few comments from fellow cyclists recommending my seat be lifted. (Neil dropped it 23mm) Since the fit I notice lots of riders out there on bikes too big for them, and lots of high seat positions and hip rocking going on. Go and see Neil and get educated. He's a guru.
Awesome and clinical info. I have been schooled today, I know what to watch out for in my first big race on Sunday
When Aus opens up in 2031 I'm going to come see Neil!
haha
We’re open! I finally went to Neill a month ago, he found a significant functional discrepancy that was twisting me on the bike. 4 weeks later after the fit tweaks and strength exercises, I am feeling very comfortable and putting out more power. I am looking forward to my next 4hr plus race to see if my hamstring cramping issues are fixed too!
very helpful info. Thanks for doing that one!
I typically get quad cramping after ~2 hours of riding when get out of saddle to peddle. Usually with over extension. I hydrate well when I ride. What do you think is using this?
Dear Cam and Neill. Thank you!!!
Great video. Im a calf cramper. Little ones while im riding, dont really get them when im off the bike. Time to look at the cleats.
I seldom cramp on rides but, do tend to get cramp mostly in my hamstrings several hours after. Not every time but, it happens often enough. I always do a cool down on my turbo trainer, do some exercises to stretch off and drink as much as I can.
Great video cam.Thanks for the great advise.
So much useful information here boys!May to help explain some of the dramas my friends had at a recent event...👌
Interesting video, i'm training for an endurance event and regularly suffer with cramp, predominantly in my right calf. I'll be having a play with cleat position and saddle height as a start and integrating more intensive type specific training thank you!
Loving the channel and the content. There's so much practical and useful info in so many of your videos.
Cheers, thanks for the kind words mate. Cam
Brilliant sharing.
This is definitely the case for me. I'll ride for 3-4 hours continuously with no issues. As soon as I make my way back into the city, I have to start stopping for intersections and general traffic. This is when I usually get these calf cramps. I now stretch regularly during my rides and it hasn't seemed to come back. Thanks for the info!
I’ve commonly had hamstring cramps but not in my calves or quads. What would be your positional advice in that circumstance?
Move your saddle forward just a little.
I suffer from excruciating cramps in my adductors after 50 mile rides. I get ultra cramps in my quads and hamstrings going up 10% hills for an hour or so. The pain is so bad I can’t walk 5 paces. The muscles ache for 48 hours afterwards. I tend not to get calf cramps. Any suggestions?
What ya thinking for focal cramp of the hamstring? Squareeee in the middle. Keep getting it
Hey Dean, question for Neill. Unfortunately he doesn't get here often. Cheers, Cam
Great video and matches my experience that an incorrect bike position and 'race day' efforts that didn't match my training cause my cramping. I'd be interested to hear what could cause adductor cramping only on one side?
Q factor or cleat position that overloads your VMO and gracilis
This is interesting regarding Q-factor and stance width as the two are not always the same. If the stance width is too wide then you get medial knee pain, right? What if you get medial knee pain AND medial quad cramps after an hour or so of riding? Also, at what point in time after making position changes and allowing the body to adapt do you start worrying about excessive cramping? So I have 59 mm Speedplay Zeros. They are at about 58 mm on the left and 59 mm on the right. I am feeling some medial pain in both knees and I am thinking of moving each foot 1 mm inward to alleviate the issue. However, after ~ 1.5 hours of riding (and hydrating) If I stand to pedal I get quad weakness/cramps medially. I have recently lowered the saddle ~5mm, which alleviated back pain and I also flipped my stem back to a 7 degree angle. This fixed back pain and shoulder/neck pain as I think I was too upright in the cockpit. I have also brought me cleat back and this has eliminated any calf issues. I think I am real close to perfecting my fit. What do you think?
Great video!
Cramp is a situation when negotiation between cyclist and legs break down, and legs goes on strike. Never had cramp before, I knew when legs reach the limit they would make a periodic little spasm to tell me to back down.
Really good vlog - question for Neil - how big an adjustment in cleat position do you start with?? I get calf cramps on my TT bike and not on my road bike - does that mean I should adjust for each??
How did Neil cope with his cramps caused by the hard pedal if/coasting during races?
I have the same problem during hard road races and can’t get rid of it.
the old winspace in the back tho. big W paint
Haha correct Sam
What about the science on the pickle juice, plenty being handed out up the back of falls on 3peaks day! I often get cramps in the foot post ride, is that a sign of arch support issues?
Not sure myself Graham, but I'll need to look into the pickle juice.
Great content
Cheers Omard
Never got cramps on my bike in more than 25 years. That said I experience lately real pain after 100 plus km trips at the end, when I stand up to paddle uphill. The feeling your muscles are pushed to hard and stop working. I wonder if food could help here for older riders.
Mostly muscular conditioning. The more 100km rides you do the less you will experience this.
I suffer from excruciating cramps in my adductors after 50 mile rides. I get ultra cramps in my quads and hamstrings going up 10% hills for an hour or so. The pain is so bad I can’t walk 5 paces. The muscles ache for 48 hours afterwards. I tend not to get calf cramps. Any suggestions?
I'm trying to work out why I got cramp in both of my thighs; on the inside, maybe the gracilis muscles. If it's a positional issue, is it height too high or low, or too far fore or aft? I didn't feel any quad or hamstring burn
My leg cramps after 25 miles of hilly terrain. Just my right one, though. I've lowered saddle, I'm super hydrated with all sorts of electrolytes, but still, it locks up. What is happening to me? It's only the one leg.
Im no expert but measure your leg bone lengths. (Look up online how i do it)
Its quite common for people to have one leg longer than the other by varying lengths which would make one leg work harder than the other due to the imbalances.
I’ve
started getting the same thing. Weird feeling in my right shin. If I don’t stop it travels down my leg into my foot; causing my toes to curl. I think there is some fatigue in my right hip flexor as well that maybe contributing?
I’ve got new shoes and put my cleats way back. Fully hydrated and SIS chew blocks on the bike. The issue seems to be time dependent and also, like someone mentioned, aggravated by trying to cycle at low watts. If I don’t stop my leg locks up. Very frustrating as everything else is totally fine!
So leg cramps at night with a low resting HR is a sign of a heart problem? ....pretty sure I'm not pregnant....I'm 51 and my resting HR is around 45bpm and have had small Afib events, never thought the two were connected tho....
I'm another sub 50 resting HR and 50+ age who often get those night-time cramps, My Garmin tells me my VO2Max is in the top 1% for my age group. It all makes sense now! Will try more water before bed time, what else to do?
NHS is exploring the biofeedback angle and is investigating why vinegar/spice combos appear to immediately stop some cramps. Niel alluded to this when he spoke about cramps all over. I found an overloading issue which caused the interior quad to 'suddenly ' cramp. Repositioning my cleats inboard helped to reduce the overload and prevent the cramp.
What if the cramping is at the back of the quads?
Time to blame the heat! I don't typically get cramps, but I got a hellacious one about 90 miles into a 100 mile ride, just after passing 4 hours on the bike. The day had started around 15 degrees, but within two hours it was over 35 and it was over 40 when I got a cramp.
That's a hot day on the bike!
I always seem to cramp hours after my ride is over. Horrific.
Sounds frustrating! I hope you can overcome it Fraser.
Same here .Yes it’s horrific.😱
Electrolyte imbalances.
Sodium and calcium make muscles contract.
Magnesium and potassium make them relax.
High carb diets deplete potassium quicker.
We need almost 6000mg of potassium a day bare minimum.
Potassium and magnesium at proper levels fix cramping.
Not saying Neil is wrong about what he says.
Bang on Ryan. Potassium is "effectively" consumed at a faster rate than sodium. I fill my water bottle with a teaspoon of lite salt which has high levels of potassium compared to sodium. No cramps for me and I used to suffer from cramps all the time.
I mean. How to train - stop start pedaling? :) I am a cramp guy for 20 years. I get cramps even after 40 minutes of race..but i can do training likd 350 km no issues. All trainers gave up on me. I tried intervals, shorter training, simulations of race....nothing..kind of gave up. I am called a "cramp " guy.
Very interesting. I have violent cramps sometimes when cycling. I do a lot of cross fit, rowing and lifting, so I don't exercise enough on the bike. That's the main cause.
But... when I use Creatine I get cramps ALL THE TIME, except when taking 400mg magnesium / day with it. Consistently.
Always cramping the medial quad. So I guess I will try the tips at the end.
👌
Bike fit huge but I’ve seen world elites cramp. Pretty sure their bikes a flitted to perfection. Maybe the nube who just bought a bike at the shop should get a proper bike fit. Many reasons for cramping. Bike fit isn’t first
just make it short , its low magnesium most of the time
I have the ability to cramp my calves on command.
Haha, that sounds like a talent.
@@roadcyclingacademy not a good talent to have. I would sign up for a study though.
I think that it's pronounced ee·tee·o·luh·jee rather than ate.tea.oloo.gee
Should make more short duration and to the point😂