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Pain in calves

Created by Jasonwave Jasonwave  > 9 months ago, 16 Apr 2025
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Jasonwave
Jasonwave

158 posts

16 Apr 2025 3:10am
Even as a kid many years ago, I sometimes get acute cramps in my calves windsurfing especially when waterstarting (the rear leg). Its the only time in any activity I do that does this. Eg no problems surfing or kiting. No difference whether with or without wetsuit. I drink alot of water. Any idea what is wrong with me ? Seems to come more often now with age. I usually shake it off but it is starting to bother me now.
John340
John340

QLD

3373 posts

16 Apr 2025 6:13am
Do you stretch your calves before and after your session?
Kit3kat
Kit3kat

QLD

196 posts

16 Apr 2025 7:19am
i think thats normal. kitsurfing has a different stance which uses quads/core and is much more efficient.
winsurfing uses calves much more. If you get a cramp hold onto your foot and dorsiflex the ankle hard.
And stretch before you windsurf.
sboardcrazy
sboardcrazy

NSW

8292 posts

16 Apr 2025 8:15am
I take 1 Blackmores bio magnesium tablet a day to prevent cramps . It might help?
Do you see a physio/ chiro ? I see a chiro regularly for prevention. He doesn't manipulate much but works on muscles and general body alignment. He gives maintenance exercises.
decrepit
decrepit

WA

12802 posts

16 Apr 2025 8:03am
I used to have a very low salt intake, my cramps have reduced since upping my salt intake slightly.
Magnesium also helps.
Doggerland
Doggerland

222 posts

16 Apr 2025 1:21pm
Relatable, used to have the same when starting out -at the time animals were still talking- (rear leg calve cramp when waterstarting).
In my opinion it's about learning to actively relax (thinking about that leg) during that phase. Subconsciously one can put a serious strain/contraction/arching on the foot/leg causing the calve to cramp on itself, whilst in reality the rear leg has not that much to do to get onboard :)
Problem with cramping is it almost reinforces itself into muscle memory, so stretching is certainly not a bad idea. Might take a while to remove.
Supplement classic (if needed) is magnesium+calcium
Jasonwave
Jasonwave

158 posts

17 Apr 2025 9:35pm
Thank you all. Will keep you posted if I find a way to calm it down. Its just odd that its only on that waterstart moment, when lifting the knee and before I put effort through the leg. Its fine if I leave the back leg flat in the board. Waterstarting strapless kitesurf is not too different in beginning position, and no worries there.
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