Muscle cramps from dehydration and heat

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Walk Among Us, Jul 18, 2025 at 8:09 PM.

  1. Walk Among Us

    Walk Among Us Medium Load Member

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    I need to deal with problem. I'm doing open deck and tarping in Texas heat quite often. I drink water but I need to do more. I get unstoppable cramps in my hands, arms, hamstrings, calves, even in my abs. Cramps that hurt like a mofo and plastic bottles of water don't do enough. What product do you guys use? I'm listening.
     
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  3. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    Any sort of electrolyte packets to put in a bottle of water should help some. Liquid IV is supposedly really good
     
  4. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    A simple salt pill would probably work.

    Adding in a Gatorade or LMNT packet to a bottle of water will do too.

    Look at the nutrition specs. Some have many more additives, or more mg sodium. Depends on how much you're losing
     
  5. Carpenter Scotty

    Carpenter Scotty Light Load Member

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    I have worked out in the heat for … almost three decades. Makes me feel old, I drink diluted Gatorade. I use the powder and mix it weaker for less sugar, but you still get the sodium and electrolytes. It’s cheaper as well. I have also found it easier to drink less more often to prevent cramping. I also find cold stuff is harder to drink a lot of, cool is easier to drink a proper volume. I will drink 3 litres a shift when it’s hot.

    1. Drink more in general
    2.Drink well before, and after
    Good luck, be careful in that heat
     

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  6. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    I've never had cramping issues, but many elecrolyte packets also have potassium and magnesium. I use one from Tailwind at times that does.

    Those would probably help the cramping even more
     
  7. Walk Among Us

    Walk Among Us Medium Load Member

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    That sounds like what I'll do.
     
  8. Carpenter Scotty

    Carpenter Scotty Light Load Member

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    I get the cramping in my forearms, and in my hamstrings. There painful when it really locks up. Used to play summer hockey after work, cramping after every game, a quart of drink would help fix it up
     
  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I use this. Friend of mine was having some serious health issues including cancer. Her Oncologist recommended this. She told us about it and how much better she feels after drinking it. I bought a case at Sam's Club for $10.00 and love the stuff. Can also get the powder form, but I get the bottles. It's so good I usually have one first thing in the morning.
    Home Page | Propel Official Site
     
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2025 at 8:55 PM
  10. Lennythedriver

    Lennythedriver Road Train Member

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    Get some Celtic sea salt the real stuff that is almost coffee colored and take a small amount of this every morning when you wake up with about 16 ounces of water. With your breakfast, take a complete amino acid supplement and I can almost guarantee you, your cramps will go away.
     
  11. trucknguy

    trucknguy Medium Load Member

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    I take magnesium capsules. 2 a day, haven’t had cramps since. The cramps from sitting and driving are different than sports cramps. Lay off salty stuff, and soda. Drink Gatorade if you like it.
     
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