Swimming and cramp

[steve208]

I have just got back from a good swim but had to get out of the pool earlier than i wanted to as i was getting a bit of cramp in my left leg. It was this leg that cramped up last week but i managed to do a few more lengths!

I am trying to swim at least once a week and increase it as i get into the habit!! But i would like to know if cramp is something that will go away the more i swim or exercise?

[Buenchico]

Muscle cramps aren't directly related to the frequency of exercise (or lack of it). Professional footballers exercise regularly but some of them still experience cramp.

The most common cause of cramp is sodium deficiency. While we're all being told to cut down on salt in our diets, it's important to recognise that we still need some of the sodium which salt provides. In this hot weather, we tend to lose salt easily (through perspiration) and it may be necessary to replace it by taking salt tablets or, easier, by adding salt to drinks.

Chris

[marianll]

BE CAREFUL - somebody I know recently drowned because they got cramp whilst swimming. I cant stress enough how much I mean BE CAREFUL when I say it. Make sure that there's always someone with you when you're swimming and get out of the pool straight away if you do feel a slight cramp.

[Amara]

Cramps are most commonly caused by calcium/magnesium imbalances and are corrected by supplementing 500mg of calcium and 300mg of magnesium. Make sure you drink plenty of water.