Cramping Hamstring

[Wannabe]

Need some advise here. I suffer from a left hamstring that cramps from about 70km onwards when I'm doing a lot of climbs or hard riding on rolling terrain (like the Berge en Dale this weekend) On flattish routes I do not have the problem.

 

I slipped a disc in my back many years ago (late 80's) that affected my left leg. I did not do my rehabilitation as prescribed, so I think in my "old age" I'm starting to reap the rewards of my stupidity.

 

I'm spending time in the gym to try and strenghten the hamstring muscle (lying and standing leg curls, squats, etc) doing some stretching , but problem persists.

 

Could it be a setup problem? I doubt that, as it is only my left hammy.

 

HELP AND HONEST ADVISE WILL BE APPRECIATED.

[Daxiet]

Don't doubt setup being the cause too quickly humans aren't perfect, the avg. person has different length legs. I have a slightly shorter left leg. Thus my setup issue presented on the left, behind the knee/upper calf.

 

Turned out my seat height was too high, after dropping that and recovering I have had no issues. 

 

All this said, if a setup issue I would have suspected pain closer to the knee, but anyway ensure youre seat is not too high.

 

Jogging would be a good way to increase hammy strength (just bad on the knees).

 

Daxiet2009-02-04 07:34:05

[Wannabe]

Gave up running and took up cycling because of busted knee. Do run on treadmill in gym ( 20mins at between 8-12km/h).

Bit hesitant to change anything on my setup at this stage.

Thanks for reply in any case. I see you are NW also. Where?

[pastapouch]

if you don't do stretching, try it. You may find that stiff hamstrings may contribute to cramps.

[Wannabe]

if you don't do stretching' date=' try it. You may find that stiff hamstrings may contribute to cramps.[/quote']

 

Will do more stretching, mebbe it will help. Tx.

[HammerHed]

Do a search on the Hub for cramps / cramping this has been discussed plenty.

 

IMO cramping is because of muscle fatigue, you are riding above the level at  which you train in a race and this causes muscle fatigue and then cramping.

 

Bike setup is also crucial, I would go to a reputable setup guy and get it done properly, this will alleviate that from the equation and then you can work at finding the cause if you have ticked this one off the list. Money well sent.

 

[Daxiet]

Thanks for reply in any case. I see you are NW also. Where?

 

Rustenburg and you?

[Wannabe]

Thanks for reply in any case. I see you are NW also. Where?

 

Rustenburg and you?

 

SAME HERE. Sitting in Synergy at Safari Complex.

[Daxiet]

Ah, at Xstrata in Zinniaville. Are you a roadie or MTB'er? Find it hard to locate other MTB riders. By the way keep your eye out on www.northwestcycling.co.za, busy getting this up and running to try make cycling information more readily available in the NW but more particular in RTB.  Daxiet2009-02-05 04:05:09

[Wannabe]

Ah' date=' at Xstrata in Zinniaville. Are you a roadie or MTB'er? Find it hard to locate other MTB riders. By the way keep your eye out on www.northwestcycling.co.za, busy getting this up and running to try make cycling information more readily available in the NW but more particular in RTB.  [/quote']

 

You guys up and running again? I used to run the cleaning contract there until the plant was closed in December. Whats happening there.

 

Ride both, but more road at present. Contact Hennie Fourie (our club chairman, you do know that we have a club here. He is also a keen MTB rider 0832269730). Otherwise, visit Fareed at Cycle Zone, he will also be able to put you in touch with right guys.

[Daxiet]

Thanks, no Xstrata not yet up and running but the IT world continues regardless. I am a member of Rustenburg Multisport and know Fareed well, I camp at Cycle Zone often. The club focuses heavily on the road rides (regular SMS's), but MTB rides if any are very quiet. I occasionally head out on my road bike (Swartruggens or Koster direction), but for the most I head out on the MTB routes.

[Wannabe]

I know you. Office is in Admin building, corner office next to where computer office is. Any idea when you guys will start up again.

I know, they do focus heavily on road (is where most guys are active) We are trying to change that. Just that we do not have anybody willing to step up and take charge of Mtb side of club. There are some serious Mtbikers in Rtb, therefore we need to get this sorted asap.

 

Hows the Golf going?

 

[Daxiet]

 

 

I don't think there is any clear cut date, probably at this point very market dependant. I hope sooner than later so it can put peoples minds at rest. From the info on News24, it seems it may be a while before ferrochrome demand picks up, until then I think Eskom will have more power on their grid.

 

On the club side, I would love to get involved in any MTB activity, we have some awesome areas right at our door step to ride.  I spend my hours around the Kloof area on week days, mainly techinical training with a bit of hill climbing.

 

I will make an effort to contact Hennie, it would be great to get the same showing that the roadies give the club.

 

Don't think I am the one in the same person you are thinking of. I am at 23 Ferro St, one road off Vanadium which leads to Rustenburg admin offices.

 

By the way, I think we have killed your original post with the change in discussion. I hope your hamsting issue clears up, I know how frustrating it is to have a nagging injury hold you back. There is a physio who works with Marius de Bruyn who is a tri-athlete herself and seems to be very good with cycling related injuries (Leilani Scheffer). She also operates out of Medicross.  I am sure part of her recommendation would be to rest the leg - not an easy bit of advice to digest. I do however think in the long run reducing your riding work load for 3-4 weeks may help in getting rid of any damage that may be causing your issue. Also if it is related to damage to a muscle or tendon trying to train your hammy may just further the condition.

 

Daxiet2009-02-06 02:56:24

[Wannabe]

Nope, if you are in those Offices, you are not the same person I'm thinking of. Should I meet you in person, who knows, maybe we have met before.

In any case, tx for info. Enjoy and hope to see/meet you soon.