Silicone swim advice

[Saren]

Hey everyone, so now that I've swam in my tail a couple times I have some questions:

My main problem is feet ache (foot cramps?) especially in my heels and arches. I know how to get temporary relief but I want to know, will it get better?

All my monofins fit great. My Mahina gives me foot cramps after a while swimming (maybe an hour?) but my new tail I'm cramping in about 30 min. I'm thinking it's because of the size differences, the amount of energy they both require is different and maybe I just haven't developed enough strength yet?

Mers with big flukes, do you or did you have this problem?

[Mer-Crazy]

The only time I've really had cramping problems was when I tried a monofin 3 sizes too big for me (I take a M or a L and I was in an XXL) or when I use fabric tails with really floppy monofins strangely enough other than that it's never really been too much of a problem for me. Stretching out beforehand can help reduce cramping as well as... potassium? I think. Something in bananas. Eat a banana like half an hour before the swim it might help. If it is potassium (don't quote me on that)then coconut water can also help or maybe a suplement

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[AniaR]

I've been doing this 9 years and my feet still hurt, and often. I find the only way around it is neoprene socks but even then monofins can warp overtime and hurt.

Our company worked with engineers for a workaround for this, a new monofin adaptation that would take pressure points off the foot and displace the force better. Still in the prototype phase though

[aureliamermaid]

I second @Mer-Crazy on the extra potassium and hydration. I would also recommend doing some ballet exercises (just simple releves, etc) to strengthen your calves, ankles and arches. Just raising up and down on the balls of your feet when you're standing doing day to day things will really strengthen all of those muscles, hopefully preventing cramping.




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[MermaidCelesteFL]

It takes a little getting used to. I've done competitive swimming, life guarding, water polo, and even monofin swimming for a good portion of my life, but I upgraded my second silicone tail to a competitor, I started having some of the same issues you had. I would suggest eating bananas, and doing more ankle and calf workouts.

Also, keep an eye on your technique.

[New York Mermaid]

Ive been doing this for what feels like forever, I suggest:

- taking Over the counter magnesium pills (doc recommended)
- potassium helps also,
- Roll a tennis ball under your feet back and forth to help stretch those tight hamstrings and release tension : http://myfiveminuteyoga.com/681/five-minute-yoga-challenge-roll-your-feet-on-a-tennis-ball-to-loosen-your-hamstrings/

-I usually drink Gatorade a half hour before a swim and again directly after a swim which helps as well.


I have been doing this for what 7 years now, the worst leg cramp I got was from trying to put on my silicone tail very quickly, and the competitor straps weren't cooperating. lol

[Marlin]

I have a similar problem with my feet. After about 20 min they really start to ache. Any recommendations for extra stretches for the arches and ankles?

[KateyMermaid]

@Aurelia is right. Ballet foot exercises such as rising onto the balls of your feet, or working with a theraband will held strengthen the muscles used for maneuvering your fluke. They also help stretch out those muscles which reduces cramping

I have been swimming in a tail for 8 years. I still get foot cramps.
I've had my current SyrenStudios tail for a year now, and even after a year of regular use with my monster fluke, my arches still cramp up after awhile. Potassium is your friend! I take a potassium supplement the morning of any day that I know I will be in my tail for awhile. I don't think that its something you need to take every day, as most people get enough potassium from their normal diet (I could be wrong about that though. It's open to verification). I also would recommend drinking some kind of electrolyte water. I love SmartWater, but there are other brands out there. Staying hydrated will also help prevent muscle cramps.

As far as blisters and raw spots, neoprene socks, or dive socks are awesome! I use thin 3mm neoprene socks in my monofin and they provide more than enough cushion to prevent blisters. On a few occasions when i have forgotten my neoprene socks, bandaids and duct tape work just as well. It's a little less fun to remove band aids and duct tape after youre done swimming though :p

@Celeste is also right, water your technique. make sure youre using your whole body when swimming, not just your knees and ankles. At will seem harder at first, but it is more efficient and will lesson the strain on those muscles as well.

[Mermaid Arabella]

I've yet to get a foot cramp, but from reading the suggestions, I think it's because I've danced since age 3 and jog in Vibrams, so my legs and feet are very strong. But what I actually wanted to note here is that if the problem is potassium, potatoes are another great source that most people forget about :)

[Saren]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I'll be sure to try the tennis balls and the potassium. As a former dancer I regularly do feet exercises but maybe adding better nutrients in my diet will help.

Thank you!