❔ Question ❔
Calf cramps during matches
I'm having a problem with calf cramps during more intense matches, especially when I need to jump more often. Has anyone who had this issue and managed to control it got any warm-up tips or movements to better activate that area?
Comments (10)
u/HairyCallahan2w ago
What worked for me was electrolytes and I use magnesium and potassium.
4
u/klausjensendk1w ago
I second this. I put some electrolyte/magnesium tabs in my drinking bottle - and bananas are a great source of potassium.
Your physical condition is number one, but with making sure you are properly hydrated, have electrolytes and potassium available in your body, you can push the point where you start to cramp.
2
u/lantissZX2w ago
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI3TacHxsSY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI3TacHxsSY)
I use this vide to warm for years now, took me like a week to memorize because I was half assing it years ago, but I never stopped since the video release, it gets the blood circulation and only takes 5 mins.
Are you hitting the gym between padel days? it's important to develop muscles, just playing padel dry will eventually cause you more damage in the long run.
If you are still feeling pain try to lower the level at which you play/compete.
3
u/Kommanderson12w ago
This. I can’t believe how many people not only don’t do any sort of warmup (or cool down), but don’t also strength train. Padel is a sport, after all. Not a game.
2
u/TacticalStf1w ago
Make sure to hydrate properly. Eating a banana before or during the match can help. Or you can take magnesium.
Also strength training will help and do a proper warm up like others suggested
2
u/pancoste2w ago
Aside from the tips here, also keep your legs and feet warm, even well before the match. Wear longer (knee) socks for example. If it's really cold, you may even wanna consider wearing (thermo) pants. Warming up obviously helps, but cold feet need far more time, so having them warm already helps.
2
u/Sarritgato2w ago
Do toe-pushups in a staircase every day
I.e stand on a step with your front of your feet, heels outside the step. Light support with a hand holding the rail.
Push up so you are standing on your toes, max extension (but don’t push too hard in the beginning). Then slowly slowly lower down, as far down as you can, so far that your heels are below the level of the step.
Repeat 10-15 times
Start with 2 sets per day then work up towards 3x15
2
u/Few-Board-63082w ago
yeah I did the push up part too explosive and now my achillis tendon is a little bit f*cked.
1
u/Sarritgato2w ago
Well you might get cramps after that type of heavy training, though I doubt it is any actual damage. Should pass in a day and then if you keep doing these you will get less problems with cramps.
Stretching after is good though to prevent cramping
1
u/jenwhite19741w ago
Yes, I used to have them towards the end of tournament days. Now I drink water electrolytes throughout the day (a cup before matches, sip during matches and throughout the day, and a cup after matches). That has resolved the issue
1