What is popularly known as a muscle cramp is actually a spasm that is caused by a disproportionate amount of contractions of the muscle fibers. The good news is that muscle cramps usually last a short time. However, they can be incredibly painful. Golfers are susceptible to muscle cramping for a variety of reasons, but if you notice the cramp lasts longer than an hour or recurs frequently, it could be a sign of something more serious, so check with your doctor. Although doctors aren't sure exactly what causes muscle cramps, there are several factors that commonly play into the most frequent occurrences.
Lactic Acid
A build-up of lactic acid is often responsible for leg cramps. Lactic acid and other chemicals increase as the result of muscular activity, and this can temporarily damage the fibers in the muscle. Usually, this reason for cramping will occur while you are on the course or immediately after you finish playing, rather than later during the day or at night.
Dehydration
A lack of proper hydration is very often related to leg cramps. Like every other part of your body, the muscles need the benefit of fluids in order to work efficiently. Lack of hydration can be a big reason why you may find yourself suffering cramps resulting from a day on the links. Avoiding leg cramps of this type involves merely making sure you take in at least 8 ounces of water after 20 minutes.
Calcium Deficiency
Getting more calcium in your diet may help if you suffer from chronic muscle cramping. Calcium is a vital element in the ability of muscles to contract. Taking calcium supplements, or simply boosting the calcium content of your food, may help alleviate this problem. Ways to test the calcium deficiency theory would be eating yogurt, drinking skim milk or popping an antacid tablet before you hit the links.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Eating a banana while walking the course may be enough to save you from leg cramps. Electrolyte imbalance is a major reason for leg cramps, and potassium plays a big role, as does sodium and magnesium. If you are not getting enough sodium in your diet and you tend to sweat profusely, that could be a key to your leg cramps. Increase you sodium intake, and you may severely decrease recurrences. If the problem is potassium, you probably won't be able to tell by the amount you sweat since few people would sweat enough to cause a potassium deficiency.
About The Author
Timothy Sexton is an award-winning writer who has published over 6,000 articles on such topics as film, television, politics, fitness and health, travel, sports, and recreation. He has a B.A. in English from the University of West Florida and is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.
