What are the possible causes of cramps when swimming?

Many men love swimming. Swimming is a whole-body exercise. It not only promotes blood circulation in muscles throughout the body, but can also be used as a recreational activity. Free movement in the water can also release stress throughout the body. Leg cramps often occur when swimming. Leg cramps mostly occur in the toes, arches, and the back of the calves. Therefore, men should do a good job of warming up before entering the water. What are the reasons that easily lead to cramps when swimming?

1. Insufficient warm-up before swimming

If you suddenly jump into the water without doing sufficient warm-up exercises, the overly cold water temperature will stimulate and cause the blood vessels in the skin and muscles to contract significantly, thereby reducing and slowing blood flow, which cannot meet the requirements of muscle activity and will cause cramps.

2. Staying in the water for too long

The constant consumption of energy in the body causes a large amount of fat to accumulate in the muscles, leading to muscle fatigue and cramps. Cramps while swimming can be very dangerous, so you should warm up before going into the water, then pour cold water on your body to adjust to the water temperature before going into the water. If you get cramps in the water, don't panic. You can take a breath first, then stand underwater and massage the cramped area with your hands, and try to lift your feet upwards, and gradually you will be able to return to normal. If you still don't feel better, you can try to float on your back and use your arms to paddle back to the shore. If you are not sure you can swim back to the shore, you should call for help as soon as possible.

Once cramps occur, bend your legs immediately and use force to pull your toes apart and straighten them. If your calf cramps, take a deep breath, lie on your back on the water, hold your toes with your hands, and stretch your calf forward to stretch and relax the contracted muscles. If your fingers cramp, clench your hands into fists and then open them forcefully. Repeat this process to relieve the cramp.