Leg cramps while diving

[Wing_nut]

Hey Folks,

It seem like every time I hit the water my calves cramp up. It does not last too long but is very painful. The real problem is that for the next week my calves are really sore. I make sure I am always we hydrated before I dive. Does anyone have any ideas on how to limit this cramping?

 

[shark.byte.usa]

Try a search on "cramps", there was just a thread going a couple days ago on this same question.

 

[Cacia]

Try changing fins temporarily to some more pliable ones. Once the soreness resolves, work on getting your calves stronger.

Experiment with kicking differently for awhile. (sort of like the antedote for repetitive motion probs) Modify your frog, flutter, etc.

Do calf stretches on the stairs. Ball of foot on step, drop heel.

Try to see if staying warmer helps.

Try Gatorade or something with electrolytes.

Of course, I am sure you know the manuever if your calf cramps. Grab fin tip, straighten leg, etc...for anyone who doesn't.

Get a massage on the beach.

 

[RonFrank]

Hey Folks,

It seem like every time I hit the water my calves cramp up. It does not last too long but is very painful. The real problem is that for the next week my calves are really sore. I make sure I am always we hydrated before I dive. Does anyone have any ideas on how to limit this cramping?

What kind of fins are you using? I know that users of the Jetfin style of fins often have more issues with cramping. My dive Buddy CharlieO uses jets, and after a short 30 minute dive this weekend he said he kicked a bit hard at the end on the surface and cramped a bit. He indicated that you really need to relax, and not push it with those syle fins.

I don't have cramping issues with my BioFins. Many who have cramping issues have gone to a split fin with good results. You do loose a bit of finning technique, however unless you routinely need to back up or like doing helicoper turns splits work very well.

 

[BSea]

Sounds like you might not be hydrated enough. I have had that problem a few times, and it always seems if I drink more fluids I'm OK. So drink more fluids, the fish don't mind.

 

[J75]

Potassium is a big help in preventing leg cramps. Add a few bananas to your pre-dive meals and it should help a lot. It's also good for preventing those middle-of-the-night charlie horses!

 

[Wing_nut]

Thanks for all the advice. I will have to see how things work with a new set of fins.

 

[Cacia]

yea, I was going to say K+ would help...I think it is one of the things in gatorade. Funny thing...NO Bananans allowed on boats in Hawaii. They make me eat them on the dock. It is a superstition.

 

[BSea]

Potassium is a big help in preventing leg cramps. Add a few bananas to your pre-dive meals and it should help a lot. It's also good for preventing those middle-of-the-night charlie horses!

Bananas are now on my pre dive breakfast menu.

 

[wreckchick]

Don't bring bananas on my boat either

Try using a frog kick instead of a flutter kick. I had cramping problems that I just couldn't resolve any other way.

Rachel