Leg cramps

[SkydiverChick]

Sometimes I get muscle cramps in my calves within the first 10-15 minutes of the dive. Nothing too bad and they work there way out but I was wondering if different fins would help. Also do you guys stretch before diving?

 

[Garrobo]

ForceFins.

 

[Wiilldd1]

Stretch, fluids, and the more you dive, the different muscles you use will adjust. At lease it did for me.

 

[C2001]

I had the same thing. I had several cramps in my calves and thighs during my OW shore diving for certification. My instructor said it could be because I was dehydrated and lacking potassium. I drank a lot of water that night and took potassium supplements to prepare for my OW boat diving the next day. I did not have any problems during the boat diving the next day.

 

[Beachlover]

I always try to stretch before I dive or before I do anything physical(baseball,raquetball,etc). You may want to try less rigid/stiff fins.You might also try altering how you kick. Some people also eat potassium pills or eat bananas.Good luck.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Sometimes I get muscle cramps in my calves within the first 10-15 minutes of the dive. Nothing too bad and they work there way out but I was wondering if different fins would help. Also do you guys stretch before diving?

Switching to a fin that is less stiff can help some folks, but if you are happy with your current fins keep them: You will probably find you get cramps less and less the more you dive. Diving uses leg muscles in a different way than other activities do, so it does take some time to "toughen" them up. Stretching pre-dive also helps. Also, if you have access to a pool to swim laps in, doing some kick board laps using fins will also help condition your leg muscles for diving.

Good luck.

 

[Sas]

I used to get terrible cramps when I first started diving. On my first boat dive in OW I had to be towed back to the boat at the end of the dive by my instructor because of them! My legs have gotten stronger though and I stopped getting them. However, I switched fins recently to stiffer ones, and I am again getting cramps if I have to kick hard for some reason (this is rarely necessary though so I am not getting too many) but I imagine they will go away once I get used to the new fins. So I recommend just keep practicing. Perhaps do some laps of your local pool with your fins on, to improve your leg strength.

Also, I know a few people who swear by split fins for being gentler on your legs and reducing cramps so maybe give them a shot if after a while you are still getting cramps. I tried them out once though, hated them, and ended up with cramps. So ymmv!

 

[Going The Distance]

I use to get the calf cramps on a regular basis, every time I used my booties. Whether I was diving, snorkling, on the boat, or walking on the beach. One day the zipper broke so someone loaned me a worn out set that felt just a bit loose. So my next set I purchased was a hair bit bigger and it solved my problem. Ive been crampless since..

 

[seaducer]

good advice above, all of it can help. One other thing too, I used to cramp up hard when I was a smoker, but since I quit, no worries. I attribute this to better circulation and gas exchange. Perhaps your breathing technique can be a factor as well.

But really, the potassium, soft bladed or split fins, water and working out are your best bet.

 

[AndyNZ]

Sometimes I get muscle cramps in my calves within the first 10-15 minutes of the dive. Nothing too bad and they work there way out but I was wondering if different fins would help.

Have a good look at the size of the foot pocket on your fins - quite often the cause of leg cramps is fin pocket that is too small, particularly one that pushes against the side of the feet.

Easiest way to check whether the fins are an issue is simply to borrow a different pair and take them for a spin.