Muscle tightness/cramp. Dumbfounded

[hongkongfever]

I am having issues with my left arm bicep and forearm tightening up and cramping big time during workout. It's so bad and it happens every workout that it's severely limiting my workouts. I've researched and found the following reasons for why:

1) Dehydration - I drink more than the recommended daily intake of water. I take sips of water between sets. I even eat a banana before work out. Doesn't help.

2) Stretching - I stretch before and during workout. Massaging the bicep helps temporarily until I do my next set and it comes back again.

3) Over-exertion - I have no issue nor struggling curling a certain amount of weight. But once the tightness comes, I can't even curl 10 lbs because my bicep would tighten up really bad with my forearm that I can't get a tight grip on the dumb bells. It's THAT bad.

So what else can it be?

 

[darkdiablo]

take a 1 week rest, and see if it happens again. If it does, better go see a doctor.

 

[hongkongfever]

it's been an issue since i started a strict workout routine 2 months ago. but even before that when i've gone through stints of workout, it's been the same. yeah it seems like a last resort would be the doctor but i'm laid off atm so money is tight

my only other thought would be the arm isn't getting good enough blood circulation. i take an aspirin every day to see if it helps but doesn't seem to either.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: hongkongfever
I am having issues with my left arm bicep and forearm tightening up and cramping big time during workout. It's so bad and it happens every workout that it's severely limiting my workouts. I've researched and found the following reasons for why:

1) Dehydration - I drink more than the recommended daily intake of water. I take sips of water between sets. I even eat a banana before work out. Doesn't help.

2) Stretching - I stretch before and during workout. Massaging the bicep helps temporarily until I do my next set and it comes back again.

3) Over-exertion - I have no issue nor struggling curling a certain amount of weight. But once the tightness comes, I can't even curl 10 lbs because my bicep would tighten up really bad with my forearm that I can't get a tight grip on the dumb bells. It's THAT bad.

So what else can it be?

Do dynamic warmups before the workout with light weights and see how that helps. Static stretching actually weakens the muscle and should be done only afterward. It can also aggravate some cramping stuff if you're weakening the muscle during a workout.

On top of that, drink MORE water. The recommended daily intake of water isn't likely to be made for athletes. Athletes often times need way, way more water than the average joe. I drink nearly 2/3 - 3/4 of a gallon every day. I'm only 5'8", 160ish.

 

[hongkongfever]

I do drink plenty of water. What I do notice is when my left arm cramps and gets tight, for the rest of the day, if I extend my arm completely, I'll start to feel numbness and a tingly sensation in my fingers. It's leading me to believe that the arm is not getting proper blood flow. Something is pinching my blood flow once my muscle expands.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: hongkongfever
I do drink plenty of water. What I do notice is when my left arm cramps and gets tight, for the rest of the day, if I extend my arm completely, I'll start to feel numbness and a tingly sensation in my fingers. It's leading me to believe that the arm is not getting proper blood flow. Something is pinching my blood flow once my muscle expands.

Numbness and tingling is indicative moreso of nerve problems. Go see a doctor.

 

[Safeway]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: hongkongfever
I do drink plenty of water. What I do notice is when my left arm cramps and gets tight, for the rest of the day, if I extend my arm completely, I'll start to feel numbness and a tingly sensation in my fingers. It's leading me to believe that the arm is not getting proper blood flow. Something is pinching my blood flow once my muscle expands.

Numbness and tingling is indicative moreso of nerve problems. Go see a doctor.

Sometimes my muscles tingle when I am max repping or working an underdeveloped muscle group.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: Safeway

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: hongkongfever
I do drink plenty of water. What I do notice is when my left arm cramps and gets tight, for the rest of the day, if I extend my arm completely, I'll start to feel numbness and a tingly sensation in my fingers. It's leading me to believe that the arm is not getting proper blood flow. Something is pinching my blood flow once my muscle expands.

Numbness and tingling is indicative moreso of nerve problems. Go see a doctor.

Sometimes my muscles tingle when I am max repping or working an underdeveloped muscle group.

That's really not that normal.

 

[eits]

potassium

 

[handoverfist]

Numbess and tingling could be indicative of neuropathy. Go see a doctor.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: eits
potassium

Low levels of potassium are not indicative of numbness and tingling. A doctor visit is in order.

 

[zerocool1]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: eits
potassium

Low levels of potassium are not indicative of numbness and tingling. A doctor visit is in order.

but it may explain the cramping/tightness.OP how are your electrolyte levels?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: zerocool1

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: eits
potassium

Low levels of potassium are not indicative of numbness and tingling. A doctor visit is in order.

but it may explain the cramping/tightness.OP how are your electrolyte levels?

Yes, it may. So may neurological pathology. With compounded symptoms of cramping, tightness, numbess, and tingling - potassium sounds unlikely.

Also, if the OP hasn't gone to a doctor - how is he going to know his electrolyte levels?

 

[Pantlegz]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: zerocool1

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: eits
potassium

Low levels of potassium are not indicative of numbness and tingling. A doctor visit is in order.

but it may explain the cramping/tightness.OP how are your electrolyte levels?

Yes, it may. So may neurological pathology. With compounded symptoms of cramping, tightness, numbess, and tingling - potassium sounds unlikely.

Also, if the OP hasn't gone to a doctor - how is he going to know his electrolyte levels?

Just needs to drink lots of Brawndo lol...