Why do we get cramps in the water???

Question

I've always wanted to know this. Why do we become more susceptible to getting calf/foot/leg cramps when we're in the water (pool, ocean, etc)??? The best medical/scientific explanation gets 10 points! :D

Answer 1

Muscle cramps are common , especially in the legs and feet. They are sometimes caused by dehydration (loss of water) and low levels of potassium, and they frequently can happen in hot weather, when your body loses water, salt, and minerals through sweating. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, may help to ward off cramps.

Cramps also happen while exercising, particularly if you overexert yourself....thus the cause for dehydration in the system...even though we're in the water, you can still become dehydrated. There is a lot more pressure under water and your muscles are actually used a lot and in ways that you may not use on a daily basis.

Most muscle cramps don't last very long, though some can go on for 15 minutes or longer. If you do get muscle cramps, a few simple tips can ease the pain and loosen the cramp...

If it does happen in the water, the best thing to do is to try to stretch out the cramped muscle while floating in the water. If the cramp is in your calf muscle, for example, flex your foot up, toes toward your shin. The once the cramp relaxes, swim to shore (or to the edge of the pool). If you can, use a different swim stroke than the one you were using when the cramp happened to avoid causing another one.

If you become exhausted, don't panic (which can make things worse in the water). Relax and float on your back until you regain your strength. (You can also float on your stomach and massage the cramp if necessary.)

Hopefully this helped in what you were looking for.