Swimming can be an exhausting activity, especially on the legs. As you swim, you must kick your legs to move through the water. Medline Plus reports that leg cramps while swimming usually involve the calf muscles. Essentially, cramps come from overuse of those muscles. If cramps are persistent and chronic, consult your doctor to determine the cause.
The Basic Charley Horse
A charley horse is the layman's term for a muscle spasm. When this occurs, the muscles will contract without being able to relax. Spasms come from overuse of the muscle as fatigue sets in or can be the result of dehydration. Once the contraction releases, the muscle will feel knotted and tender. A strong spasm while swimming can become dangerous, especially if you are in deep water. The charley horse can make it difficult to maintain position above the water surface. This is just one reason, if you are swimming in the ocean, why it is best to use the buddy system.
Warning Signs
You won't always get a warning sign that a cramp is coming. You might feel tired or the muscle might become uncomfortable and tight. This can be an indicator of a cramp building. If you are swimming and feel thirsty, getting out and drinking some water might help. Dehydration will reduce the potassium and calcium in your body and can trigger the cramp.
Treatment
If the spasm hits while swimming, massage the area as soon as you notice it. The earlier the massage starts, the better. If possible, get out of the water and stretch the leg. If you feel weakness in your legs or a tight muscle, have a sports drink to balance your electrolytes. Once the contraction passes, if the muscle is sore, apply heat to relax the tissue. If the ache persists, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication can help. Applying ice later can also help relieve the pain and stiffness. After several days, the soreness should go away. If not, see your doctor.
Considerations
Most spasms are harmless. As long as you stretch before swimming and drink plenty of water, they should also be isolated. If you have repeated spasms, it is worth a trip to the doctor to figure out why. Swimming in hot weather may cause heat cramps and dehydration. If it is hot outside, take frequent breaks. If you are prone to cramps, do not swim alone.
