Swimming is a fun activity that burns calories and helps you stay in shape. Practicing different strokes gives you a full-body workout that works both your cardiovascular system and muscles in your upper and lower body. However, foot cramps can put a quick end to any activity you are doing in the pool. Find the cause of your cramps and take some preventative measures so you can swim pain-free and enjoy your time in the pool.
Symptoms
The feeling of a foot cramp while you are swimming is unmistakable, but it may manifest itself in a couple of different ways. You won't need to guess what is happening if you are gripped with a crippling pain that shoots through the arch of your foot and instantly stops your progress. However, pay attention and hop out of the water for some light stretching if you start to feel tightness or even mild cramping in your calf or anywhere in your foot -- take a break to loosen it up before it gets worse.
Causes
Foot cramps while swimming can have a few different causes, including dehydration, low electrolyte levels, muscle fatigue or tight muscles. Swimming in cold water is a less common cause.
Prevention
Drink water before and after your time in the pool, and keep something to drink close by when you are in the pool, too. Perform your swimming exercise three to five times per week to combat muscle fatigue, and stretch your lower body on a daily basis to keep your muscles loose. To give your electrolyte stores a boost, eat at least one banana per day and consume dairy and green leafy vegetables. You can also keep an electrolyte replacement drink handy for during your swim. If you feel that cold water may be contributing to your cramps, warm up thoroughly before you get into the pool and swim at a moderate pace for a short time before going full speed.
Stretches
Perform stretches for your Achilles tendon at the back of your ankle, calf muscles, hamstrings and quadriceps on a daily basis to stay loose. For your foot, bend your toes up against a wall so the ball of your foot stays on the ground. Bend your knee toward the wall and feel the stretch in the arch of your foot. Do the stretch on both feet.
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