swimmers cramp?
Doc Sco
Posts: 38
in General Chat
Can anyone out there help me? Everytime I swim front crawl I experience cramp in my calves. It happens after pushing away from the wall but is at its worse if just using front crawl leg kick on my back or front. My leg kick is pretty weak and the harder I try the quicker the cramp occurs. I have tried taking onboard fluid during training sessions but it makes no difference. What am I doing wrong? [:(]
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Comments
Mike
I sometimes get cramp going from fc kick to bc kick but usually a stretch against the wall ccures it.
Our swim coach also said bananas can help as they have potassium? (or someething) in them.
Man of steel - pointed toes would fit as the cramp is defintely triggered by pushing hard off the wall. Wonder if some gym exercises or skipping would strengthen the right muscles. I will explore.
The 'cramp syndrome' usually occurs under the following conditions;
Dehydration
Tiredness
contraction instead of relaxation of muscles
Lack of natural body electrolytes
Lack of warm up prior to training
Cold water - yep that's the one!!!
How do we counteract the problem!!??
Point your toes back toward your chin - quickest method
Stretch a cramped leg muscle with one hand and alternately squeeze and release the muscle with the other hand- restores blood circulation
Ice massage if none of above work
Drink fluids - and keep on sipping water etc
If you are sweating - DO NOT TAKE ANY SALT TABLETS etc it draws fluid out of muscles into stomach
Yes - quinine does work - in moderation
I have also heard - by a reputable authority - that pinching your upper lip may help - yep pinch with your finger and thumb - it appears to be a pressure point thar relaxes the muscles - tried that in the sea once..pinched so hard the pain was such I forgot about the cramps LOL
Potassium from bananas is also good
Hope that helped
From an 'old sea dog' and veteran triathlete from the 'dark ages'
will definitely try the rubbing and pinching and let you know!.[:)]
Best of luck in your training -
PS - yes horses sweat - men perspire and ladies 'glow' while camels - well, we don't go there!!
Have you had these cramps during open water swims?