AboutBrad Walker (The Stretch Coach) Expertise I'm more than happy to answer any questions relating to stretching and flexibility. Including how to use stretching to improve your athletic performance, prevent sports injury and aid in the recovery of sports injury.
Experience I'm an internationally recognized stretching and sports injury consultant with 20 years of practical experience in the health and fitness industry. And the founder of (The Stretching Institute).
Organizations Sports Medicine Australia
Publications I've written 5 books on stretching, flexibility and sports injury, including... The Stretching Handbook (ISBN: 978-0958109338), The Anatomy of Stretching (ISBN: 978-1556435966) and The Anatomy of Sports Injuries (ISBN: 978-1556436666). Plus, I've had numerous articles published at About.com, Athletes.com and BodyBuilding.com.
Education/Credentials I'm a health science graduate of the University of New England, with post graduate accreditations in athletics, swimming and triathlon coaching. I've worked with elite level and world champion athletes and I lecture for Sports Medicine Australia on injury prevention.
Past/Present Clients I've worked as assistant coach to Miles Stewart (World Champion Triathlete) and Mick Doohan (World 500cc Motorcycle Champion). Plus I've worked with countless other athletes from sports as diverse as roller-skating, squash, and cycling.
Question thank you in advance for answering my question. I have been having some achyness in my calves, especially after climbing up hill. Today, I did a bit of walking and had some mild discomfort in both calves. My main concern is that it might be CLAUDICATION. How do you tell the difference between claudication and some other benign reason. Last summer I was able to climb the same hill without a problem.
I am 58, 6'0", and 240 lbs. I walk about 5 times a week on my treadmill for about 30 min at a time, 2.6 miles per hour with an incline of 7% with no problems or discomfort. BTW I have INCREDIBLY TIGHT hamstrings (which I have always had). I cannot even sit up straight (90 degree angle) when my legs are straight out in front of me on the floor.
Thanks,
Gary
Answer Hi Gary
Thanks for your inquiry. It's a pleasure to help and I hope the following is beneficial.
There's a few things that can cause muscle cramp. The most common being: Poor flexibility and tight muscles; Muscle fatigue and overuse; Dehydration; and Electrolyte and mineral depletion.
It sounds like a lack of flexibility is the major cause in your case. But there are a number of other things listed in the article below that you can do to prevent them. Take a look at the article here...
In the meantime, muscle cramps and spasms will usually go away on their own but there are a few important steps you can take to decrease the severity and duration of them.
1. Stop the activity that triggered the cramp in the first place.
2. Gently stretch the effected muscle or muscle group.
3. Keep the effected areas moving with light activity and gentle massage.
4. Continue to apply heat and massage to help promote blood flow.
I hope the above has been helpful. For more information on how to stretch properly and the best stretching exercises for you, visit www.TheStretchingInstitute.com
Brad Walker
Founder & CEO
The Stretching Institute
