During swimming, what we are most afraid of is encountering cramps. If we encounter cramps, how should we provide first aid?
Muscle cramps refer to the rigid contraction of muscles. Often caused by excessive fatigue, prolonged swimming, or sudden exposure to cold water stimulation. When cramps occur, you should immediately go ashore and dry your body. If there are severe cramps in deep water or legs. Unable to swim back to the shore, one should remain calm and call for help, or float on the water to control the cramped area. Often, the cramped muscles will relieve themselves through rest, and the swimmer should rest on the shore.
The treatment method for cramps is usually to treat them separately based on the location of the cramp.
Crural or toe cramp: Use the hand on the opposite side of the cramped calf to grip the toe of the cramped leg, pull upwards with force, and use the same palm to press on the knee of the cramped calf, helping to straighten the calf.
Palm cramp: Use the other palm to forcefully press the cramped palm towards the back and make a trembling motion.
Arm cramp: Hold your hand into a fist and bend your elbow as much as possible, then stretch it out with force and repeat this process several times.
Finger cramps: Hold your hand into a fist, then forcefully open it, then quickly clench it again, repeating this process several times until you are relieved.
Thigh cramp: Shoot the cramped thigh at a right angle to the body and bend the knee joint.
