Avoiding cramps when swimming

oxygen

Hey. Does anyone have any advice on how to avoid calf cramps when swimming. I had an operation on my leg a couple of years ago, so I was always a little bit prone to cramps in my calf, usually just when I am asleep tho.

But recently I started swimming again, Im getting on fairly well as its improvers lessons, but I am getting alot of cramps in the one specific leg.

I can feel the twinge come on, then a couple of lengths later it cramps up. I think it might have to do with the paddling of my feet or something cause I didnt get it when running or walking.

Is there maybe a technique, or even something to eat or rub on it that people have tried?

Thanks in advance

Burkatron

If you are only getting back into swimming & have been doing alot of running & cycling it means you're plantar flexing (pointing your toes down) your foot lot more where as before with running or cycling you're toes would've been pushed into a more dorsiflexed (toes up) position. Has your swim teacher mentioned anything about your foot position when swimming? Without seeing your ankles as you kick I can only guess. Anywho, if you have problems keeping your toes pointed these will help. Unfortunately there's no quick fix it will just take time.

Try taking a multi-vitamin if you don't already. Eat more bananas (for potassium). Increase your water intake decrease your diuretic intake e.g tea, coffee (anything with caffeine), Salt if you add it to food!


With your history of surgery I'd go back to your Dr or Physio & discuss this with them.If this isn't possible then you'd be best going to see a therapist such as an Osteopath, Physical therapist, a neuromuscular therapist or a Physio. Make sure they have a good rep though! So many cowboys out there!!

oxygen

Thanks alot for that Burkatron, Ill take all the advice above onboard, specifically the stretching exercises. The vitamin and food intake and salt and caffeine reduction would just make good sense.

If it persist I might take it to a doctor or a physio. I think it is to do as you mentioned with the plantar flexing, don’t think I’m used to that at all. Nice to incorperate a new range of movement tho.

Burkatron

oxygen_temp wrote: »

Thanks alot for that Burkatron, Ill take all the advice above onboard, specifically the stretching exercises. The vitamin and food intake and salt and caffeine reduction would just make good sense.

If it persist I might take it to a doctor or a physio. I think it is to do as you mentioned with the plantar flexing, don’t think I’m used to that at all. Nice to incorperate a new range of movement tho.

Take it to your surgeon from before. If not, save yourself the headache, the €60 odd quid you'll spend on a referral & just go to a therapist! Physio's would be towards the bottom of my list for the people to see, Dr's unless they know your condition (even then it's a push), would be at the bottom! They know **** ALL about musculo-skeletal problems! Find yourself a good Osteopath who also does dry needling! That's my opinion anyway!

kris71

I would like to add magnesium, or potassium (most likely one of them is low but it's all about balance so blood test wouldn't be a bad idea) If you are just going back to swimming just take it easy your muscles need to adapt to new range of movement

I'm not so sure about water as to much fluids might lower down mineral levels but I won't be arguing on it as I'm familiar with other concept as well