Calve Muscle Spasm Lock/buldge/knot

Nick Kron

Michael Peterson status
Apr 23, 2001
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Hey Doc:<P>Sometimes after surfing for a few hours, my calve gets this painfull locking ball. All I can do is not move and wait for it to subside, Then, my calve is sore for a few days. What causes this and how can it be prevented?<P>Thanks
 

SurfDoc

Michael Peterson status
Dec 19, 2002
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Muscles cramps particularly in the calves are quite common. I had one football player swear by apple cider vinegar, just one teaspoon a day, helps ttremendously. Hey, its worth a try?<P>Sometimes all the stretching, potassium, magnesium, whatever, won't help the situation.
 

cencoastgrom

Michael Peterson status
Feb 28, 2002
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Ive had that happen once while paddeling for a wave. I had to go in a crawl up to shore and stay there for liek a 30 minutes and it hurt real bad.
 

HandsomePete

OTF status
Aug 14, 2002
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I surf and sponge in frigid water. I used to get nasty cramps after sponging for more than an hour or two. I tried stretching and vitamins. Nothing worked.

Eventually figured out what was happening, I was getting dehydrated. I used to drink a huge coffee before going out. The diuretic affect would make me pee like a mad man and cause dehydration. The result would be some painful painful cramps. My solution was simple. Just a little coffee (hey, its cold and it perks me up) and lots of water, OJ, gatorade, what have you. Take a break every few hours and refill then go back out. Makes a huge difference. A decent wetsuit for the right conditions also helps.

I think a lot of people neglect hydrating before surfing because it is done in water that is usually cooler and refreshing. But a workout is a workout.
 

OTIS

Michael Peterson status
Sep 3, 2002
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I'm not alone. I've had this happen a few times in the past. I thought it was due to dehydration and stress. I've had this happen when I'm about to get pounded by a big wave or a serious wipeout. Either way, it is really tough to surf when it happens. I had one that gave me pain for 4 days after the spasm.
 

Jibaro

Michael Peterson status
Dec 12, 2002
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You are in luck. After years of suffering from these painfull calf cramps, I have found, not a remedy, but a solution. 2-3 ounces of pickle juice. It sounds unapealing, I know. The magical pickle juice.

This is a serious post. As lifelong surfer and "pro" beach volleyball player, I have suffered through your pain for many years until that sweet day.
After spending 2+ hours of deep sand training, I can now surf for as long as I want. I no longer cramp while taking off on that perfectly lined up set wave.

I have tried almost everything. I was also convinced it was dehydration, lack of potassium, etc.

I used to drink more water and pedialyte than you would think possible. The only thing that did was keep we warmer inside my wetsuit.

I wish you many days of crampless perfect surf.

2-3 ounces of dill pickle juice.
 

Jibaro

Michael Peterson status
Dec 12, 2002
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Lima
I don't really know why. Maybe the vinegar or the salts. Whatever it is, it works. I had tried sooo many things before this. I heard bananas would help, and I would eat 3-4, dring tons of water......only to cramp again.

PICKLE JUICE, it's a miracle.
 

blakestah

Phil Edwards status
Sep 10, 2002
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Next time you are out try to see when you are using the muscles that cramp, and whether you really need to use them.

I was pointing my toes and contracting my hamstrings while paddling. Both a fairly useless to paddling well, and sometimes led to cramps. Now, I leave them looser, and no more cramps. This is not going to help someone with fins much, but a paddle surfer should be able to stop using those muscles if he doesn't need to.