21/03/2026
Muscle cramps.
Still one of the most misunderstood things in sport.
For years it’s been blamed on dehydration or electrolytes.
But that doesn’t explain why two players can do the same session… and only one cramps.
Research in football has started to show there may be a genetic component.
Studies looking at athletes have identified links between certain genes (such as COL5A1) and a higher likelihood of cramping. This suggests some people may simply be more prone to it than others.
There’s also evidence of familial patterns, meaning cramps can run in families.
But this is where people get it wrong.
Genetics might increase your susceptibility…
it doesn’t mean it’s the cause on its own.
The strongest explanation we have right now is still neuromuscular fatigue.
When the system is pushed hard enough, control changes, and the muscle locks up.
So instead of thinking:
“I need more electrolytes”
A better question is:
“Was the demand greater than what my system could handle?”
Because cramps aren’t just about what you drink.
They’re about how your body is coping with load.
References
• O’Connell et al. (2013) – Exercise-associated muscle cramp and fatigue
• Miller et al. (2010) – Neuromuscular fatigue and cramp mechanisms
• Collins et al. (2011) – COL5A1 gene and muscle/tendon injury risk
• Frontiers in Genetics (2022) – Genetics and athletic performance/injury risk
• Layzer (1994) – The origin of muscle fasciculations and cramps
