Fins and leg cramp relationship...

[WetDane]

Hey,

I have problems with leg cramps - in the calves, anytime I'm in the water, sometimes more than other, but usually at least once per dive... With 4 dives per weekend, I tend to get a leg massage on Monday to get the acids out - unfortunately it would seem that I'm treating symptoms and not the cause.

I dive with Cressi Frog fins - they are regular stiff "channelled" fins.
I have seen the new Scuba Pro fins and the shop claims that they are easier to kick and that this could help relieve some of the cramping... Unfortunately I'm hesitant to dish out $190 for something a dive shop salesperson "thinks" may help...

I have also come across another issue, supposedly the graphite version is softer and even easier to kick, but also positively buoyant, since we are happy with 55 degree water in the summers, positive fins is not a good thing...

Any ideas as far as the style of fins? I have also considered getting a pair of the original jet fins, but it seems that they would have the same problem as regular fins?

Well, I guess I have not asked a straight question here, but I would like to hear comments from people who may have some experience or other.

I have read the thread on cramping while kneeling - but I'm more interested in the specific relation ship to this of the fins.

Oh - and while I'm here - Don't forget - Scuba Baby's b-day is coming up folks...

Thanks,
Terkel

 

[Aardal]

:idea:

WetDane,

The cramps, from my experience, have been from a stiff fin. When I first started diving I thought I wouldn't need a expensive fin so I bought some $50 fin. I kicked them in the pool and thought, this wasn't so bad. Well the first day of diving them with full gear, my calf would cramp up about 3/4 through the dive. I think a more flexible fin would be a reasonable solution for you. I moved to US Divers Blades which are stiff enough to move large volumes of water but also flexible enough to just cruise along in the water. The split fins are a reasonable solution too. It does take alot of effort out of kicking alowing you to have longer bottom time due to less air consumption. I've heard alot of good things about them. Go back to the dive shop and see if they will let you try out the split fins. They might just be well worth the money for eliminating those leg cramps. I hope this helps and let us know what you decide.

Dive Safe....

Aardal
eace:

 

[large_diver]

Another idea would be to swim more often -- with or without your fins. I started swimming more regularly after I started diving last year. I found that this cut down on cramping substantially (I use Mares Quattros). Sounds like you are already doing a lot of diving, so this may not help as much. For me it was helpful, since even during the summer 2 or 3 weeks will go by between diving weekends for me. The split fin recommendation makes sense as well -- might be worth comparing the split fins in a pool vs. your current blades.

Good luck.

 

[DennisW]

I had foot cramps, not leg cramps and they only occurred when I used my full above the ankle booties. I bought the booties a while ago and they were the only ones that would fit my feet (I wear 9.5 EEEE in New Balance cross trainers). So the booties were 10.5s and too narrow. I also have a pair of short booties that do not cause the problem. This past November, I finally broke down and went shopping for new booties. I found several pair that fit very well and were comfortable. Alas, my Large Scuba Pro Jet Fins wouldn't fit over the new booties. What to do? I bought a pair of XL Jets ( I love my Jets) and now, not cramps. Fit does matter.

 

[ages]

No foolin!! I know several people that have eliminated getting leg cramps by adding a couple of banana's a day to their diet. Especially in warm climates where one sweats alot, which causes your potassium levels to deplete. Eating bananas can help with that. I thought it was all horse pucky, until after several weeks in Fiji I started getting leg cramps. I added a couple of bananas a day to my diet, and after a couple of days, no more cramps. ages

 

[Sue]

WetDane
In order to prevent cramps I take magnesium pills every day. Since I've started taking them I didn't suffer from cramps anymore.

I think you should talk to your doctor. There are people more sensitive to suffer from cramps than others, and it can be due to a lack of vitamins and minerals in your body.

You might also take a look at the new Mares fins (don't know the model), but I've tried them and found them very flexible which helps to prevent cramps.

Sue

 

[dmentia]

I don't know if this makes a difference, but I know I start to cramp in my foot and leg if my fin strap is too tight. As soon as I loosen it a little, everything is good.

 

[The Chairman]

Hey Wet Dane & all,

Cramping is no fun... it occurs when your blood just can't get all of the byproducts of exertion out of your muscles. You see, when you exercise, your body creates an acid called formelin, which is really close to what an ant stings you with. When your excersize is heavier than normal, you produce prodigious quantities of this stuff, and your circulatory system has a problem getting rid of it all, especially if you don't get your heart a pumpin' fast.

One thing we practice u/w is to conserve energy... to move as little as possible. We are trying as hard as possible to keep our metabolic rate low. Consequently, we keep our blood volume down, especially with the mammillian response, and pressure on you corotid artery from your wet suit. We only have one set of muscles doing any work when we dive, and while our oxygen levels remain "O-Tay", the low resultant flushing action in our legs is inadequate. Three things will help alleviate this...

1) Aerobic swimming in the pool... this will train your blood vessels to open up as well as improve stamina and leg strength. This will take time for you to see the benefits.

2) More efficient fin... I use the black Scuba Pro Twin Jets... they stopped MY cramping cold!

3) HYDRATE!!! Probably the most overlooked cause (lack of) and cure for cramps. Drink TONS of water (not coke or beer) before and after you dive. Water helps in the elimination of wastes from your system, and the more the better.

BTW, spasms and cramps AFTER your workout (especially the next day) usually mean you stopped too suddenly. The blood flow slowed while the muscles were still trying to recover (they were still producing formelin), and small amounts got trapped in the muscle tissue. Over time, this results in a dull ache, so do some warm down exercises any time you break into a heavy sweat. Lots of water helps here too!

Pete from Orlando...

 

[WetDane]

hey thanks all,

I'll be eating bananas and drowning them in water as well as trying on new fins like a mad man - however, the pool is still at 46 degrees so I'm not getting in there in my speedos just yet...

I have some ideas that I need to try out, I was very curious about the fins making a difference, particular considering the cost - but it sounds like some people have had good experiences, I'll try to see if I can rent some first or try them out in another way...

Cheers,
Terkel

 

[Ginger]

Along this same line, I find that whether swimming in the pool (sans any gear) I have the same type of cramping in my feet as I do when diving.

Should I assume that poor muscle condition and/or hydration is the issue?

I also sometimes have the same problem when asleep. the cramp is generally in the arch of my foot or across my toes. Sounds like a small problem but it hurts like the dickens!!!

Ginger