How to stop leg cramps?

[Nidan2Sandan]

I've recently started running again after a break of a couple of years.

I run on a treadmill (as i did previously) but I'm finding just a couple of minutes in I'm getting agonising cramps in my calves and ankles.

I have compression socks but cant say they are making a difference (not tight enough maybe?) And I do a good 5 minute warm up and stretch before hand.

I'm trying to get back to running the distances I uses to, and feel like a right failure not being able to go 2 minutes now before stopping in pain!!

I used to get early cramps in my calves when I first started running. Getting fitter helped - as did spending more time warming up
Are you running up a hill when you get them? Try a flatter route?
When you do get them - stop and walk, try stretching them out a bit and then jog/walk til they ease off?
I did things like running on my toes and waggling my feet as I ran to try to stop the cramp from starting - once you are properly warmed up they do go

Hopefully some more will be along soon to give some better advice?

More warming up, and a combination of stretching and active moves in your warming up. 5 minutes probably isn't enough.

For the stretching, each of the main muscles in each upper and lower leg need to be stretched and held steady in the streched state for 20-30 seconds each. That takes more than 5 minutes to work through each muscle. After the stretching, actuve warmup to get the muscles into gear to start moving should be at least another 5 minutes, and then when you get on the treadmill just walk for at least a minute or two before cranking up the speed.

At the end of the session the same stretching is really important as a warm-down. Some of the pains you are getting could well be protests from muscles that weren't properly stretched out after the last time you exercised them.

Have you got the treadmill on flat? You might need to put a slight elevation on it.

Magnesium can ease cramps, supplements, oil spray or bath salts.

Activating glutes can help the legs work more effectively and ease strain on the calves.

Thanks for the advice guys! So more warm up and targeted stretching.

Treadmill is flat, no incline.

Put a tennis ball under your foot..one at a time!.. and roll backwards and forwards as part of your warm up.. also up your fluid intake all day long...