Leg cramps, predominatly in the calves, is
a well known "disorder" among swimmers. The reason for leg cramps may be
as follows:
Exhaustion (workout, competition)
Cold water
Loss of magnesium via perspiration
Dehydration via perspiration: Replenish fluid
loss but wisely
If you experience leg cramps during swimming
you should stop and try to control the cramps with stretching. If you are
tired or if the water is cold it most probably means that the workout or
competition is finished. Magnesium is an important element in the control
of proper muscle contraction.
If you experience cramps quite often during workouts or while asleep (nocturnal leg cramps), it most probably signifies magnesium deficiency. Perspiration due to exercise means that you loose minerals in substantial quantities which may lead to cramps. Loss of water itself may lead to cramps: How to replensih fluid loss
Try to replenish magnesium with an apropriate formulation (salts or tablets) you can get at health or drug stores. Some sports drinks also contain this electrolyte in substantial amounts. Daily recommendations are 100-125 milligrams. Keep in mind that only 30-40% of the total amount is resorbed by the gut - the rest is going down the toilet.
Best products contain magnesium in form of aspartate, citrate or orotate. Magnesiumcarbonate and -oxide are cheap formulations but resorption is five to ten times lower. Do not supplement magnesium for more than 6 to 8 weeks (with a break of 1-2 months in between).
