Question: I'm in a senior tennis league (I'm 58) and sometimes find that my hands and feet cramp up terribly after an hour or so or playing. I drink a lot of water when I play, so I don't think it's dehydration. Could it be a vitamin deficiency or low blood sugar? What should I do?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Try pre-hydrating yourself with water or diluted juices before you play tennis. Try starting one hour before you play, and you will likely see improvement. It is possible that your rehydration is simply being absorbed too late after your start exercising.
Cramps in our hands and feet during exercise are usually due to lack of hydration, and can sometimes be worsened to varying degrees by electrolyte imbalances. Low blood glucose or vitamin deficiencies are not usually the cause of this.
You should see your doctor for a baseline physical evaluation and a review of any pills or supplements you take that may be playing a role here, as well as a check for metabolic and electrolyte deficiencies. Be sure you doctor checks your CPK, total and ionized calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, glucose, and magnesium levels.
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