I just started swimming for my first triathalon which is in
June. I am getting severe toe cramps, only on my right foot and cramps on
the arch of my right foot. I am a runner, long distance and never have had
problems with cramps. I am well hydrated, I drink about 64-90 ounces of
water a day. I have borderline high blood pressure (Not on medication) due
to genetics. I have never been one to use a salt shaker and I stay away
from salty and processed foods. What is causing the toe cramps? Why do I
just get it from swimming and not running or biking? And how can I prevent
it?

Diane from Georgia

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Hi Diane,
Thank you for contacting TriathaNewbie.com!

Sorry to hear that the foot cramps are so bad! Hopefully the suggestions below will help with the issue.

This may be a matter of stretching. Start getting that calf muscle loosened, then move to the ankle and then your feet and toes. Warm, stretched muscles tend to respond better to swimmimg than those that have been cramped into high heels all day. Sometimes one side can be a lot tighter than the other.

On a personal note, I've been a swimmer for the majority of my life and never experienced toe/foot cramps until I took off some time and then re-entered the pool after a long break. I did find that if I resisted the temptation of pushing off of the wall in the pool, I was able to avert the cramps. Once my body got back into the swing of things, I could use the wall and have no problems with cramps.

I hope this answered your question.
Please feel free to email again with any further questions.

Be well,
Julie McGuire
TriathaNewbie.com