Bulgaria Ski discussion board

I suffer a great deal from cramps, as I am an insulin dependent diabetic and when my blood sugars run too high (I leave them higher than normal when i am skiing to protect against lows which are kinda dangerous on skis!) I get easily dehydrated (because my body tries to flush out the excess sugar) and at the same time my electrolyte balance goes to all hell (which is a sure way to promote cramp) - sorry I realise you didn't want to know about diabetes but it does explain some of the causes of cramp. If you want to treat the symptoms then as one of the previous replies stated quinine is a wonder, tonic water is a good source but, like you, I can't stand it. I now have quinine sulphate tablets that I take ( I don't have them to hand at present so I can't tell you the dosage....you can get them prescribed by your GP or buy them in the pharmacy). HOWEVER....by the sounds of it the cramp you are describing comes from a circulation problem, try wearing your ski boots and skis without socks (this might give you an idea if your boots are too small - a common problem when you wear thick socks!). As other posters have suggested, try loosening the bindings.
Don't forget that if you are dehydrated your electrolyte balance is probably also off therefore drinking loads of water will not, in fact, solve the problem entirely....you will probably benefit from a 'replace' drink (that is an isotonic drink= the same concentration as your blood normally is)

Hope that lot helps, and happy skiing!

QK.