Bad Leg Cramps

[Muisit]

Pre-Dive stretch is key for me. Every time I forget, my legs cramp horribly.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Along with diving regularly stretching will help as will hydration. In addition developing different kicks such as a frog or modified frog will allow you to switch up muscle groups. And finally you can do what I do when it just gets to be too much - charge the battery in the scooter and take it out.

 

[pdjmoo]

I suffer from the same. Magnesium has fixed it every time. Google Magnesium. Here's a couple of links
Help with Running Cramps: Magnesium Running Cramps and Leg Cramps Help with Running Cramps: Magnesium Running Cramps and Leg Cramps I have used tablets and they did not do much...so after much research I found this powder from Peter Gillham, a former chiropractor. Facts About Peter Gillham's Natural Vitality Natural Calm Magnesium Supplement Stress Reliever The difference is light night and day...and no more leg/feet cramps. And I'm not trying to sell you anything...you can get this at the health food store, I believe. (ps. I learnt a lot about minerals along the way too!) Hope this helps.

 

[pdjmoo]

Sorry links for Magnesium and Leg cramps did not seem to go through
Facts About Peter Gillham's Natural Vitality Natural Calm Magnesium Supplement Stress Reliever
Help with Running Cramps: Magnesium Running Cramps and Leg Cramps

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

I would concur that conditioning and electrolyte imbalances both play a role on cramping. One tip I got from an ultrarunner was to take calcium at the first hint of cramping. Last summer I was training for a marathon and had a few calf cramps during long runs. I tried Tums, which is mostly calcium carbonate, and they worked like a charm. So do the calcium, magnesium, zinc pills from Trader Joes. Calcium supplementation has worked repeatedly for me as a distance runner. Often enough that I am sure it is not a coincidence. It may not apply directly to scuba, but maybe it does.

 

[TMHeimer]

One of my favourite questions asked. Rule 1: if you don't like bananas, take potassium pills. Cramps, for me are due to heredity. I am a CRAMP expert. As stated, different strokes-paricularly frog kicks help, and you keep moving. If you get severe cramps all over, use your arms and pull yourself along the bottom for a while. Kicking is strenuous and causes cramps--I've experienced this often. Lack of sleep and cold water is another cause I've met with. Lots of hydration is good, unless you have a deffective bladder and don't want to pee your wetsuit. But the Potassium pills were the best for me--cut the cramps way down.

 

[koyote1111]

Hi Ramon

I've read some nice ideas in this thread but would like to add a few things. Cramping can occur for a number of reasons...lack of hydration, muscle fatigue (fatigued muscles tend to contract), etc. The jury is still "out" a bit on the role of potassium...however, based upon the nutrient analysis that I've performed...I'd estimate that at least 75% do not get their required intake of potassium each day.

I would recommend:
a) warm-up prior to stretching...in other words, do not stretch first. Warm muscles make for a more effective and safe stretch.
b) do you best to keep the muscles warm (coldness leads to muscle contraction).
c) increasing strength will help off-set the fatigue factor. For best results, you will want to perform movements that replicate the lower leg motion that is performed when diving.
d) the typical strength and stretching exercises will be helpful, yet nothing will "beat" just continuing to use your fins and develop the strength in that particular way.

This is a long shot...have you had back problems?? If so...and if there has been any nerve-related issues...sometimes those issues will result in a somewhat spontaneous contraction for no apparent reason. This would happen whether exercising or simply sitting in a chair.

Best wishes for more comfortable diving!

 

[ozzydamo]

I'm sure this has been asked many times before,

I am a very "casual" diver. once or twice a year at most. Last year I did a shore dive off of California and had very bad cramps in my calf, where I could not even kick without stopping and stretching my leg by pulling my fins. At the time I wrote it off to never diving the cold water.

I have a trip in August to Puerto Rico and would like to try the diving down there. I took a few dives in a pool, just to re-familiarize myself with my gear and make sure everything was working properly. I did get the cramp in my calf again, and this time I had a cramp in the arch of my foot as well.

I have large enough booties ( snug but not tight ) and I have XL split fins which I have used for years. The heel strap I have always wondered if that should be tight, or loose?

Is there anything I can do to help with these cramps?

Stop smoking, do more anaerobic work in daily life- yoga as well, perfect for this problem.
Eat Bananas!

 

[DevonDiver]

Is there anything I can do to help with these cramps?

I bought a set of Force Fins, upon recommendation, because I suffered a similar problem They worked.

If you can try a set, do so.

 

[Garrobo]

FORCE FINS. Puts all the strain on your frontal thigh muscles.