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Cramps Cold, exertion, incorrect kicking with fins, restricted circulation, or some combination of these factors can lead to cramps, which usually occur in the legs. The best way to deal with this problem is to prevent cramps before they occur. Avoid becoming chilled or exhausted, and avoid wearing protective clothing that is too tight. If you experience a cramp, stretch the cramped muscle and massage it (figure 7-1). For cramps in your calf or foot, pull on the tip of your fin gently as you straighten your leg. This stretches the muscles that are responsible for the cramp. Stretch your muscle gently or you can injure the muscle or tendons. Once you have relieved a cramp, rest and recover, and then continue your dive at a slower pace. You can also use a different kick to help keep a leg cramp from recurring. Entanglements Entanglements typically occur with underwater plants, fishing line, or fish nets (figure 7-2). You should have a knife available so you can cut yourself free, but that is seldom your first reaction to an entanglement. First, stop your activity and get control. Second, determine where you are caught and what object has caught you. Remain calm. You might be able to free yourself by pulling the plant, line, or net clear of you and your gear, or by getting your buddy to help you. Sometimes you can reverse your direction to get free. Remember that you have buoyancy control and the ability to move up and down to free yourself. Avoid turning around, because this will usually make an entanglement worse. One of the most likely points of entanglement is your cylinder valve and the first stage of your regulator. Unfortunately, you cannot see this area, so you should signal your dive buddy to help you. If your buddy is not close to you for some reason, you can remove your scuba unit, free the entanglement, and put the unit back on. NAUI Scuba Diver 162 Problem Solving FIGURE 7-1. YOU CAN RELIEVE A CRAMP BY GENTLY STRETCHING THE AFFECTED MUSCLE. FIGURE 7-2. REMAIN CALM IF YOU BECOME ENTANGLED, DETERMINE WHERE YOU ARE CAUGHT, AND WORK SLOWLY AND DELIBERATELY TO FREE YOURSELF.


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