mom sectionmom sectionYou are swimming along doing your best crawl when, mid-stroke, sharp pains in one foot or both abruptly end your workout. Foot cramps plague many swimmers, especially during laps where you are using the flutter kick or the dolphin kick. According to Daniel Altchuler, president of the California Podiatric Medical Association, foot cramps are caused by "excessive plantar flexion of the foot" or pointing your toes (see Reference 1). One way to deal with foot cramps is to stop your workout and massage your feet. Also change your stroke and start doing the breaststroke. Altchuler also recommends relaxing your feet…
There are several common causes of leg and foot cramps, including dehydration, overuse and low electrolyte counts, which usually accompany dehydration. Find out how stretching and water can prevent cramping with help from a certified personal trainer in this free video on foot and leg cramps.
