TriathaNewbie.com: Foot Cramps During Swimming

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Foot Cramps During Swimming I just started swimming for my first triathalon which is in June. I am getting severe toe cramps, only on my right foot and cramps on the arch of my right foot. I am a runner, long distance and never have had problems with cramps. I am well hydrated, I drink about 64-90 ounces of water a day. I have borderline high blood pressure (Not on medication) due to genetics. I have never been one to use a salt shaker and I stay away from salty and processed foods. What is causing the toe cramps? Why do I just get it from swimming and not running or biking? And how can I prevent it? Diane from Georgia --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Diane, Thank you for contacting TriathaNewbie.com! Sorry to hear that the foot cramps are so bad! Hopefully the suggestions below will help with the issue. This may be a matter of stretching. Start getting that calf muscle loosened, then move to the ankle and then your feet and toes. Warm, stretched muscles tend to respond better to swimmimg than those that have been cramped into high heels all day. Sometimes one side can be a lot tighter than the other. On a personal note, I've been a swimmer for the majority of my life and never experienced toe/foot cramps until I took off some time and then re-entered the pool after a long break. I did find that if I resisted the temptation of pushing off of the wall in the pool, I was able to avert the cramps. Once my body got back into the swing of things, I could use the wall and have no problems with cramps. I hope this answered your question. Please feel free to email again with any further questions. Be well, Julie McGuire TriathaNewbie.com
		Exciting News: TriathaNewbie.com featured in Triathlete Magazine as "Your one stop shop for beginner triathletes". Check it out! Swim - Get the low-down on wetsuits and swim suits, find info on safe water workouts and read tips for training and events. Bike -Learn how to structure bike workouts, find safety tips and read recommendations on great bike gear. Run - Get the ultimate skinny on running sneakers, running gear, safety tips and much more. Transitions are the times between the swim and bike and the bike and run. Any time you are in the transition area, you need to know how to get through it without wasting time. Here are some suggestions: Setting Up Your Transition Spot Triathlon Swim Transition (T1) Triathlon Bike Transition (T2) Triathlon Run Transition - There is no Run Transition, just a Finish Line! Race Day Preparation The Sweat Test Triathlon Race Day Checklist Find a Mini-Triathlon Event Mini-Triathlon FAQ Triathlon Race Day Swim Cap Troubles? Need to Change a Flat? Dealing with Blisters? Indoor Triathlon Swim (video) How to Avoid A Frightening Start: Think Out of the Pack (video)

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