Leg Cramps

RE: Leg Cramps

Mark Usher — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 11:49:21 GMT

When I started swimming full-time again in June of last year I would get cramps fairly often, especially when doing fast intervals late in practice. After a few months they got better, and I seldom get them now. I swim 5-6 days per week and average about 12K yds per week. I think fins definitely contribute to cramping, particularly in my case where I didn't have a lot of flexibility in my calves due to running and cycling. I also got in the habit of taking sips of Gatorade between sets to stay hydrated. Even so, I still will lose 2-3 pounds during an average workout.

RE: Leg Cramps

dougp4158 — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 11:59:54 GMT

I've recently started strenuous workouts again after a couple of decades away. I'm 58. I never got leg cramps before when doing 3,500 yard workouts several times a week. Now, pretty much every time I get into the mid 2,000s, I can feel the cramps starting. Doesn't matter if it's morning, afternoon, or evening. Doesn't matter how much fluid I take in before or during workout. I've tried Sport Beans, Nuun tablets in my water bottle, eating bananas before a workout. Nothing seems to work. What's different now, in addition to being 20 years older, is that the pool I'm swimming in is warmer (83-4 degrees. I'm going to try swimming in a cooler pool to see if it makes any difference). Also, I'm taking 10 mg. of Lipitor every other day, but I've had zero side effects from it in my normal course of activity. I've also looked at magnesium deficiency but haven't had a test for it. I would also note during the warmer weather, I've been biking a lot, including 50, 60 and 70 mile rides averaging 15-16 mph, and the only time I get cramps on the bike is if I've failed to take in enough liquid. Any ideas appreciated. I really want to progress and get back to those 3,500+ workouts.

RE: Leg Cramps

Former Member — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 13:17:00 GMT

I switched to pulling to get out of the leg cramp. I did pulling only and a slow sidestroke when I got a severe leg cramp and only workout 600 yards that time.

RE: Leg Cramps

sunruh — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 02:05:59 GMT

thats great for her. but a 10k isnt exactly super critical of hundredths of a second on time or maybe it is and she would have gotten 2nd had she not gotten a cramp at all?

RE: Leg Cramps

Allen Stark — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 11:29:45 GMT

you should also easily find that pickle juice is NOT an answer. just google it. you have an imbalance that the pickle juice merely tricks into working. you could just as well poke your eye or bite your cheek. currently there are plenty of studies out that show absolutely NO reason how to cause a cramp to go away. The researchers propose that the acidic pickle juice triggers a reflex when it hits a nerve center on the back of the throat. This reflex sends a signal to the nervous system to shut down the overactive neurons causing the cramp. its not the pickle juice that does anything...its your reaction to it in a non-related way Except that it works. Yes we don't know how, but if you have a cramp and you get fast relief,how is that a bad thing?

RE: Leg Cramps

Allen Stark — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 10:33:07 GMT

so at the 300 of a 1650, stop and take a swig? proper hydration in the weeks/days/hours leading up along with proper training prevents them. jumping in and doing a massive leg workout will get you cramps every time...whether in swimming or running or biking...it doesnt matter what muscle group it is. My wife did stop and take a swig when she got leg cramps in the 10K postal swim. It worked. She finished 3rd in the nation.

RE: Leg Cramps

sunruh — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 01:41:49 GMT

RE: Leg Cramps

Smurt — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 12:37:44 GMT

I've often used pickle juice to alleviate body cramps. I get them in my quads, groin, hamstrings, hip flexors...I'm a mess. Pickle juice works well and fast but I've found that if I take magnesium & calcium I'm somewhat cramp free...depending on my activity that day.

RE: Leg Cramps

sunruh — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 03:01:38 GMT

RE: Leg Cramps

Sumorunner — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 12:59:53 GMT

Don't know if I've ever mentioned it here, but this is legendary on all running forums. Pickle Juice. Don't laugh, I've known of this since the mid-60s. Ref.: runnersconnect.net/.../

RE: Leg Cramps

ForceDJ — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 11:22:29 GMT

I've noticed that if I do any sort of kicking drills later in my workout that I also tend to get leg cramps -- hamstring, calf, foot. So IF I am going to do any kicking drills I've begun doing them earlier in my workout and I don't cramp. Dan

RE: Leg Cramps

Allen Stark — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 03:47:24 GMT

Don't know if I've ever mentioned it here, but this is legendary on all running forums. Pickle Juice. Don't laugh, I've known of this since the mid-60s. Ref.: runnersconnect.net/.../ You beat me to it,I was going to say pickle juice.

RE: Leg Cramps

Former Member — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 15:21:14 GMT

For immediate relief of muscle cramps, try a few sips of tonic water, then hydrate

RE: Leg Cramps

Former Member — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 13:55:11 GMT

I'm in the same age range, started swimming in April, and use fins for about a third of my swimming. I was getting cramps in my calves and feet from the fins for awhile, but doing regular leg exercises, stretching and yoga, has helped to alleviate and prevent the cramping.

RE: Leg Cramps

sunruh — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 01:43:21 GMT

most of the time cramps are because of dehydration of that muscle group, not the lack of the 5 electrolytes of sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and chloride. nor does it have to do with stretching. you are overworking that muscle group without proper hydration for it. i would like to suggest you back off on the fins and more gradually build up to that distance with them