why does swimming give such horrible cramps

[Bron]

Well, I'd like to know too if anyone finds a solution to the mystery.
DH gets calf cramps, usually when pushing off from the edge of the pool and I find my feet occasionally cramp so that I go cross-toed

Our pool isn't that warm, maybe we should try the baby pool and see if the problem is still there.

[Tuckervill]

I virtually grew up in the pool in our back yard, spending hours and hours in it as a child. Not always "swimming", but playing games and such with my friends and brothers.

I was often a victim of toe cramps. Second toe, too. Never in the calves. I always related it to the flexed position it was in while I either pushed off to keep my head above water (when I was smaller) or the bent leg position to keep my shoulders in (when I was taller). If we were racing a lot and I was giving it my all with the kick, I could develop a cramp because those muscles weren't used to flexing that way.

On the rare occasion that I swim now, in a hotel or whatever, I have also had toe cramps, if I'm in long enough. I always thought it was a normal thing that could happen to anybody.

Karen

[HillSlugger]

Typically, once during each swim, I'll get a cramp in the arch of my foot after pushing off the wall. I can swim through it and it usually goes away before I've finished a length. I assume it's from fatigue but I don't really know.

[KayAyZee]

I've been trying to find the right combination of hydration and electrolytes to make my cramping go away, but haven't been successful yet.

It's the calf cramps that get me. Usually tighten into an unbearable knot when I'm trying to hoist myself out of the pool. There have been times when after 2 or 3 attempts I just give up and swim across a few lanes to get over to the ladder.

My calves have cramped up mid-swim too - half way through a lap one will just coil up and I have to tread water and massage it and try not to panic. But the absolute worst is when they cramp in the middle of the night and wake me up. Ugh, just writing about it is making my calves sore

[Iris616]

I mentioned this to my chiropractor a year or two ago. He suggested trying to consciously change the angle of my ankle and toes for a few kicks in every lap. It seems to work for me, when I remember to do it. But I have no idea why it works.