Questions about cramping

I used to get really bad cramps too. I'm not very good about stretching before swimming. Someone suggested that I take supplements, specifically calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin D. I was getting cramps in the pool, but those have stopped with proper hydration and the supplements. I eat a banana an hour before my swim, and sometimes after my swim too because I don't like to take pills. I definitely noticed the disappearance of those awful cramps after about 3 or 4 weeks of supplementing regularly. Good luck! Tina

Though I occasionally suffer from cramping (usually in my feet) when I swim, the kind of recurring, really debilitating cramping you describe is usually a "beginning of the season" thing - in my experience anyway. If I've been away from the pool for any length of time the first few weeks back generally involve a period of cramping in muscles that are being pulled and twisted into different positions. For me the only way out is through...just keep on keepin on and it will all work out. I'm guessing by your name that you're a runner so you probably know some good stretches for the calves and ankles, no? Stretching after cool down could help. Good luck - I'm interested to hear what others suggest here

Running requires a stretched achilles tendon, swimming requires the opposite(shortened achilles for pointed, streamlined toes). If you are more a beginner swimmer you will just have to work through this till your calves adapt. Try calf stretches after you are warmed up (swimming and running), a 1/4 or sometimes 1/2" heel lift under the insoles of your running shoes can help alot. During the day wear good shoes possibly with the heel lift. Do not wear high heels! Also make sure your feet get great arch support all day and especially while running, if you don't you could possibly develop plantar faceitis. (it's really hard to get rid of)

Though I occasionally suffer from cramping (usually in my feet) when I swim, the kind of recurring, really debilitating cramping you describe is usually a "beginning of the season" thing - in my experience anyway. I agree w/Gigi. Last year when I started it lasted 1-2mos and then disappeared for good.

Though I occasionally suffer from cramping (usually in my feet) when I swim, the kind of recurring, really debilitating cramping you describe is usually a "beginning of the season" thing - in my experience anyway. If I've been away from the pool for any length of time the first few weeks back generally involve a period of cramping in muscles that are being pulled and twisted into different positions. For me the only way out is through...just keep on keepin on and it will all work out. I'm guessing by your name that you're a runner so you probably know some good stretches for the calves and ankles, no? Stretching after cool down could help. Good luck - I'm interested to hear what others suggest here yeah, I run a lot, race regularly. :D I thought about that, also thought about my pre-swim warmup (which, admitedly, isn't much right now but I'm going to start trying to get a little bead going before I hit the pool). Thanks,

There are also connections between cramping and electrolye levels. Have you been hydrating during swimming as you would while running? You probably sweat a lot from your running training, and may not be replacing enough.

There are also connections between cramping and electrolye levels. Have you been hydrating during swimming as you would while running? You probably sweat a lot from your running training, and may not be replacing enough. I'm trying to make sure I do. I'm also thinking about hydrating during my swim like I do when running. Depending on which day I'm running I hit the "water station" every mile to 2 miles. I'm thinking maybe I should apply the same concept and put a water bottle or bottle of Gatorade on the wall at the end of the pool and hit it every 10-12 laps, something like that. Just because you're swimming doesn't mean you're not sweating, you just don't notice it.

Make sure you aren't purposely pointing your toes when you swim. Keep the foot loose and floppy. In addition to all the other advice listed above, try massaging your calf muscles over a tennis ball a few times a week. Sit on the floor, put the ball under the meatiest part of the calf, and roll your leg around it. Hurts like h***, but really gets the knots out.

Make sure you aren't purposely pointing your toes when you swim. Keep the foot loose and floppy. In addition to all the other advice listed above, try massaging your calf muscles over a tennis ball a few times a week. Sit on the floor, put the ball under the meatiest part of the calf, and roll your leg around it. Hurts like h***, but really gets the knots out. Good advice. This also works well for back spasms too, and it does hurt.

But I've been having some really nasty cramping issues in my calves. I mean horrific pain and knotting. What's a good way to combat that? Is it the water temperture that causes it? (the pool I swim in will never be mistaken for a jacuzzi) Any tips or advice will be greatly appreciated. I used to have your same problem and I couldn't figure it out, so I kept training through it. What I have learned about my physique is the following. I need to eat and hydrate properly before swimming. If my urine is not clear before I swim, I expect cramping. This resolves 80% of my cramping issues. Hydrating means more than just water to me. I drink gatorade, powerade, or heed, whatever I have access to at the time. I need to stretch my calves and feet. I do this by standing on stairs, one leg at a time. If I run the day before, I stretch more. If I cramp during swims, I stretch on the wall. The more I swim (days, weeks, months, ect), the more I train my body for swimming. Since you are getting back into it, it will take some time for your body to adjust. If you swim through a calf cramp, expect major calf pain 1, 2, 3 days later. Good luck!