The Science of Cramping

[Andrew A.]

Apparently dehydration is not responsible:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/why-do-i-get-painful-muscle-cramps-when-i-work-out/article1632891/#

[Ryan]

Interesting results. That seems to call into question the long held beliefs of both dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It does make sense, though, because cramps do usually occur in the most heavily worked muscles (especially the hamstrings and calf muscles for runners).

[r-at-work]

... proper training and pacing could help to minimize your risk...

...These lessons – train sufficiently, set realistic goals and rest before races – won’t stop every cramp, but they may reduce your risk...

wow... startling discoveries... sorry for the sarcasm, but I can't say I thought the article gave any serious scientific proof of anything. Even the 'new theory' is just that...this was a nice collection of anecdotes, wouldn't be nice if more people took the 'train sufficiently' bit seriously.
 
-Rita

[Andrew A.]

Sometimes it is not always so obvious, it can be useful to point out such things even if to just reinforce what we already know.  I thought it would be of interest if nothing else to dispel the notion that hydration/electrolytes are the culprits.  That is not to say that hydration and electrolytes cannot help to mitigate the effects of muscle damage, improper training/pacing, and inadequate rest by improving recovery rate.  There is a relation, just not a directly causal one.

[Ryan]

Indeed, I think this is worthwhile just to continue the work to dispel the idea that dehydration/electrolyte imbalance are the primary causes. As with Andrew, I suspect that they may play a role but there is more going on. This explores some ideas of what that "more" may be.

As for the advice, it's common sense. Of course, we all probably know several sayings about common sense and how common it is.

[Anne]

I just got back from vacation in CO.  I never suffer from cramps at home but there had several nasty ones during the day & in the middle of the night. I thought maybe it was due to the change in elevation.
 
 

[Andrew A.]

Right lower air pressure thus less available oxygen (plus possibly low grade dehydration) thus lower recovery rate.

[Ryan]

A lot of people who visit Colorado or other arid climates don't drink enough water and suffer chronic dehydration, which might be a trigger. Combined with what Andrew mentions of thin air and that could have been the issue.

[Rachel]

I heard somewhere that excess sugar intake can be responsible for side stitches and related stuff. Any truth to that?

Rachel

[Andrew A.]

Weak diaphragm, more likely.

[r-at-work]

side stitch... diaphram spasm... like other muscles it could be several things, for lots of runners it's a repitition thing related to breathing... I was told to reduce the incidence of stitches to 'belly breathe', that is to stick out my gut as I breathe in, gross but it works... also once you get a stitch, you raise your arm (on the same side as the stitch) above your head (as you are running) and stretch the whole side of your body upwards. this looks stupid but it does tend to relax the spasm and ease the pain.
-Rita

[Andrew A.]

Somewhat related: Myths and Facts About Staying Hydrated