Snowboarding is an original American sport. Although snowboarding can enhance your health and level of fitness, there are some risks involved with this strenuous sport. Your feet play a major role in balancing, turning and stopping a snowboard, making them a common site for overuse injuries. Inadequate conditioning and improper equipment can lead to foot cramps and pain.
Foot Cramps
Feet are one of the more common sites on your body that can experience cramping. Cramping occurs when the muscles involuntarily contract and tighten. Cramps happen most often along muscles that span the distance between two joints. Overexertion during exercise is a frequent cause of cramping. Muscle fatigue, as well as dehydration and electrolyte depletion, can increase your risk of developing foot cramps. Cramping sensations can range from slight tics to visible distortion of the muscles involved. The level of pain may also range from very slight to excruciating.
Snowboarding
Strenuous physical activities, such as snowboarding, can lead to cramping, especially if you fail to condition your muscles prior to participating in this sport. Snowboarding requires strength, balance, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility. Muscle strains and cramps are common injuries in this sport. Wearing the wrong boots can increase your risk of foot pain, including cramping. Soft boots work well for the halfpipe, while alpine boots that have extensive supports and hard plastic exteriors are necessary for the parallel giant slalom.
Treatment
Cramps usually go away without medical treatment. When your feet start to cramp up, stop what you are doing and gently stretch the tight muscle. Keep the affected foot in the stretched position and massage the cramping muscle. Hold the position until the cramp recedes. Applying heat to your tight muscles can help minimize cramping, while applying ice to sore muscles can reduce inflammation and pain. Contact your doctor if the cramping continues or worsens.
Prevention
Conditioning your body for snowboarding is an important factor in reducing cramping and minimizing your risk of accidents. Stretch and warm up your muscles prior to getting on your snowboard and heading down the hill. Avoid overuse injuries by keeping in shape throughout the year. Swimming, circuit training, weightlifting, hiking and running are valuable off-season activities that can help keep the muscles in your feet and other areas strong and limber all year. Purchase snowboarding boots that fit well and provide adequate support for your arches, heels and ankles. Drink plenty of fluids in order to stay hydrated and avoid an electrolyte imbalance that leads to cramping.
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