Toe/Foot Cramps - Triathlon Week

Robert G. · 10-23-2003, 08:46 PM

Anybody have any good advice for getting rid of toe cramps while swimming?
Share your secrets :)

swim523 · 11-10-2003, 05:44 PM

try drinking alot of water before and during practice, I've found ice water works great when the pool water is really warm

CajunRider · 12-03-2003, 03:19 AM

I assume you know how to prepare your body to prevent cramping so I won't talk about that.

You toe-cramp because of an unconcious attempt to keep your feet pointed and stay streamlined. During your next swim, focus on keeping your feet relaxed. You get better propulsion and less cramp.

To ease toe-cramp while swimming in open water, I stop and take a deep breath then submerge and massage my feet and stretch them out. Then I resume swimming and focus on keeping my feet relaxed.

If I am in the pool and don't want to stop, I pushoff slowly on my toes during the turns to stretch my feet out and focus on keeping my feet relaxed.

Funny thing you talked about this. I had a hell of a time dealing with this during my 5 mile ocean swim on Friday after Thanksgiving. I had to stop and massaged my feet once. Good thing my brother was there on his kayak to give me some fluid.