Medical doctor offers advice on managing muscle cramps from running

A balikbayan runner suffered from muscle cramps while in the middle of a half-marathon in Cebu. 

In Kuya Kim Atienza's report on "24 Oras" Tuesday, OFW couple Ace Jiandel Agustin and Regine Agustin shared that everything was going smoothly during the race until Jian began experiencing intense muscle cramps around the 15-kilometer mark. 

"While running the marathon naman everything went smoothly. From calves to harmstring ko, sobrang sakit parang hinihiwa siya," shared Jian. 

Fellow runners stepped in to help, massaging his leg and foot and offering snacks until medics arrived to assist Jian. 

According to Dr. Rafael Martires, a general physician, dehydration is the most common cause of muscle cramps. 

"Ang pinakamadalas na nagdudulot nito ay 'yung dehydration, pagkawala ng electrolytes katulad ng sodium, potassium, magnesium,calcium sa dugo tsaka pagkapagod ng muscle kaya naman ito common sa mga marathon runner dahil exposed sila sa lahat ng risk factors," he explained. 

"Merong prolonged exertion, tuloy-tuloy 'yung paggamit dun sa muscle pati tuloy-tuloy din silang pinapawisan so nawawalan sila ng tubig sa katawan." 

Dr. Martires advised that one should slow down or stop running when cramps occur. 

"Simulan na i-stretch ang muscle na affected tapos dapat din masahihin ito. Massage lamang para dumaloy 'yung dugo hanggang sa humupa 'yung sakit," he said.

He also underscored the importance of hydration, but cautioned against drinking plain water alone. 

"Mag-hydrate din nang maayos pero huwag uminom ng purong tubig lamang dahil lalong bababa 'yung electrolytes mo sa dugo at pwede tumindi 'yung cramps."

Per the report, Jian continued the race with Regine by his side, with the couple opting to walk the remaining six-kilometer distance. 

"Nag-walk na kami al the way kasi nga every time na nag-t-try kami mag-run, nag-c-cramps talaga hanggang thighs ko. Kinaya naman, natapos naman. After the race, I can still feel the pain pero doable," he said. 

"Sobrang saya po 'yung [half] marathon, unforgettable siya kahit ganun 'yung nangyari," said Regine. 

—CDC, GMA Integrated News