Cramp injury...

[andyoxon]

I seem to have pulled something in my upper calf muscle, as a result of a cramp (5-10secs of agony) I had when waking up early Sat am.    I've had cramps like this before, but not with a lingering effect.  Has interrupted my cycle commuting...  Anyone else had this?    Just rest it a tad I guess.

[Canardly]

Severe cramps can often leave you feeling a bit sore and/or stiff for a day or two.

[mrcharly-YHT]

Cramps can tear muscles - I've had them in my back bad enough that they tore many of the major muscles - mega pain.

If someone invents a preventative cure for cramp, they will make a fortune.

[Canardly]

Amen to that!

[tonyh]

Once had a bad cramp while "imprisoned" by the "safety" sides of a YHA top bunk, unable to get up and apply my usual 5 minutes of agonised stretching-on-the-spot. It left a painful swollen area next day, but I was surprised to still be able to ride, rather slowly, next day - it subsided in a couple of days, no bad after effects.

[andyoxon]

Still have a bit of a hobble going on - upper calf muscle feels quite tender if I press it.

[Canardly]

I have had lots of probs with this and blood tests which dont prove that anything is amiss. ( but note bill) . Doctor got rid of me by telling me we dont know what causes cramp. Mid night cramp when in mummy bag in small tent is awful.

[CrazyEnglishTriathlete]

I have this problem from time to time. Always with the calf.  Usually I manage to get out of bed and stretch it before it does any damage but I have had a mild strain that's lasted a week or two once or twice.  Cue looking silly round the office doing calf stretches 10 times a day until it gets better.  Haven't tried to see the GP about it but will try to remember to ask about it at my annual medical in the summer.

[Ningishzidda]

Before and during sustained exercise,, Nuun tablets in drink.

After exercise. 2 g per 100 km of table salt washed down with COLD flat coke or similar drink.

After shower. http://www.globetrekker.com.au/first-aid/components-and-parts/cramp-solv-25ml-spray-simply-the-best-product-to-stop-most-cramps-quickly/
Spray some into palm of hand and then massage on legs. Repeat until tingly sensation is felt.

[T42]

Had something like this 10 days ago in muscles on lower left of back. Stiffness and mild pain for 24 hours, then it went away when I rode.

[Wowbagger]

That sounds like exactly the spot that I tore my calf muscle last August - where the gastrocnemius muscle begins to swell above the Achilles tendon. I tore the left calf muscle but I occasionally get a matching cramp on the right leg, which is very panic-making. It is possible that you have a minor tear as a result of cramp.