Summer has finally arrived and for many this translates into sea, beach and swimming with friends. At sea you can have fun in various ways, as long as you are always vigilant. The sea can be extremely dangerous due to currents, storm surges or the undertow. People often tend to overestimate their physical abilities, neglecting the need for preparation, before taking a swim. In these conditions you can be surprised by adverse events such as jellyfish stings, cuts against the rocks and cramps. Knowing the possible traumas related to the sea could help you react more quickly and effectively if they occur. Here, then, what to do and absolutely not to do when we have cramps in the water.
What are
Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of the muscle. They can cause temporary pain or tend towards a severe form such as paralysis. They are often associated with physical exercise prolonged (in this case the acronym EAMC is used), to pathologies, or the etiology may be unknown. One of the hypotheses for the onset of cramps is dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. In particular, in a recent study (Lau WI et al., BMJ vol 5, 1) it is suggested that you drink fluids with electrolytes to prevent muscle cramps. Even too cold water and a lack of acclimatization of one’s body can contribute to having cramps. Stretching before entering the water can help prevent muscle cramps.
Here is what to do and absolutely not to do when we have water cramps
Despite all precautions, we may still have a cramp. Cramps are painful and can affect different muscle groups (for example, calf, ankle, or foot). When we have a cramp, it will be very difficult to continue swimming with the contracted muscle. In general, you should try to stretch the affected muscle, decisively and quickly. If we have a calf cramp, for example, we need to straighten the leg while holding the hammer foot. In any case, one must try to reach the shore. The advice is to swim with the help of your arms only until you reach the area where you stand. Swimming on the back might be the best solution because it is more relaxing from a muscular point of view. If we are in high water it is possible that to stretch the foot or the leg it is necessary to help with the hands.
We will therefore be forced to follow these operations in apnea, underwater. In this case, you must absolutely avoid giving in to panic. The cramp, in fact, will not go away and the situation could become very dangerous.
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(We remind you to carefully read the warnings regarding this article, which can be consulted who”)
