Fins and leg cramps..any relation? Need help.

[okiediver1961]

I wear the Jet Sport full foot fins, no booties. They fit very snug--I have a narrow foot and tried these in Belize after a dive guide insisted I try his as he loved them. I was hooked. Lightweight and easy to get on and off. I have had the cramps with all my fins though...I have owned all kinds (there is quite a collection in my closet) except for the split fins. Again, I do have the cramps topside as well so I don't think I can really blame my fins, but initially wondering if a different type would help me alleviate at least some of the cramps. Its frustrating and embarrassing on a dive. In May I had to hang onto the ladder for a couple minutes while my cramp gripped my foot as I could not back get in the boat. Most of the time its during the dive though. Frustrating!

 

[TMHeimer]

I wear the Jet Sport full foot fins, no booties. They fit very snug--I have a narrow foot and tried these in Belize after a dive guide insisted I try his as he loved them. I was hooked. Lightweight and easy to get on and off. I have had the cramps with all my fins though...I have owned all kinds (there is quite a collection in my closet) except for the split fins. Again, I do have the cramps topside as well so I don't think I can really blame my fins, but initially wondering if a different type would help me alleviate at least some of the cramps. Its frustrating and embarrassing on a dive. In May I had to hang onto the ladder for a couple minutes while my cramp gripped my foot as I could not back get in the boat. Most of the time its during the dive though. Frustrating!

With your number of dives, I'm curious as to how often you cramp over that time period of diving? Have you tried potassium or any other supplements? The potassium pills also took care of my cramping topside. I guess you could try the split fins--not sure if they come in full foot. With all those dives, I would assume you are in pretty decent physical shape--sounds like a similar situation to mine--possibly a heredity thing.

 

[jonhall]

I guess you could try the split fins--not sure if they come in full foot.

The ScubaPro Twin Jet full foot fins I've used the last 1 ½ years.

 

[diver0008]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again.

Frog kick.

That and some stretching, and I'd put money on your troubles evaporating.

 

[C P]

Have you noticed different kicking styles exacerbating or alleviating the cramping at all?

Not really, I have found that when I get a cramp most the time switching kicking styles will release the muscle though which helps in open water

 

[okiediver1961]

I do switch kick styles when the pain starts but the frog is just not natural to me LOL. Sometimes I can "work it out" before the pain gets intense....I have tried potassium and bananas before diving to no avail. It seems to happen when muscles are moved a particular way..and I cant figure that out. Just last night I was on my laptop on the couch and it happened again......starts in the toes and rips through my arch, interestingly enough it always seems to be in my right foot now that I think about it! Im going to circle back and try everything suggested here. I appreciate all the feedback and ideas from everyone I am tired of this!

 

[TMHeimer]

As mentioned, I frequently switch to frog kick and occasionally to a side kick (is that a name?). As I rarely cramp anymore, I can't say for sure any of that would've helped me back then, but I doubt it. Didn't know frog kick way back then. I use those kicks now just to vary things a bit using different muscles.

 

[dmaziuk]

I do switch kick styles when the pain starts but the frog is just not natural to me LOL.

Frog kick is only good if you're going nowhere fast. If you need power, it's out, and it's also what's more likely to load your muscles to their seizing point.

starts in the toes and rips through my arch, interestingly enough it always seems to be in my right foot now that I think about it!

Try rollerblades? They will work the small muscles in your foot. And ankle stretches, esp. the quad/ankle stretch where you pull on the toes standing up, or sit "Japanese style" and lean back. Like this guy: [image=80]www.allthingsgym.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Dmitry-Klokov-Ankle-Stretch-Tibialis-Anterior.jpg[/image]

 

[kelemvor]

I solved most of my cramping problems by hydrating a few days before a dive, and taking potassium pills for a few days before the dive. Mine are 200mg, and the bottle says it's only 3% of recommended amount. I usually take 2 in the morning and 2 at night for 2 days prior to a dive.

I have been taking potassium for less than a year before diving, but so far it's worked very well for me.

Before I started with the potassium, I was just hydrating. It helped some, but didn't eliminate the cramps. Also, when I switched to frog kicking much of the time, I got cramps in other places on my legs, but still got cramps. It's a useful kick, but it wasn't a cure-all for cramping in my case.

 

[okiediver1961]

Food for thought, Im willing to try anything and everything. I did find this online last night....

http://www.divefitness.com/html/articles/article_pdfs/foot_calf.pdf