6 Common Causes of Foot Cramps
By Brian Acton
Foot cramps are an involuntary spasm of the muscles in your feet, and commonly affect the arch or the toes. They occur when a muscle in your foot contracts and is temporarily unable to relax. While foot cramps typically don’t last long, they can recur and are often intensely painful.
If you’re experiencing foot cramps on a regular basis, there may be an underlying cause that you need to address. Here are six common causes of foot cramps.
- Overly Intense Exercise
The muscles in your feet constantly contract and expand to enable normal movement and exercise. If you work your foot muscles too hard, the overexertion may lead to fatigue and muscle cramping. This phenomenon frequently affects athletes, dancers, and workers who put a lot of stress on their feet. Avoid overexertion and rest your feet regularly to reduce foot cramping.
- Lack of Physical Activity
On the opposite end of the spectrum, a lack of exercise and physical activity can also lead to foot cramps. Long periods of inactivity can make your muscles more susceptible to cramping. Poor posture, especially when sitting, can restrict the blood flow to your feet and contribute to cramps. Make sure to get consistent exercise and avoid long periods of inactivity.
- Poorly Fitting Shoes
Wearing poorly fitting, uncomfortable shoes can contribute to cramps and discomfort. Tight shoes constrict the muscles in your feet, which may lead to cramps. This is prevalent with shoes that are too tight in the toes, such as high heels. As much as you can, wear comfortable footwear that fits well and save the high heels for special occasions.
- Nutrient Deficiencies
Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies leave your muscles vulnerable to cramping, especially when you aren’t getting enough calcium, potassium, and magnesium in your system. Eating a varied diet of healthy foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, will help your body and muscles get the proper nutrients. In some cases, vitamin or nutritional supplements may be necessary.
- Medications
There are many common medications that list muscle cramps as a common side effect. Check any medications you are currently taking to see if they could be the cause of your foot cramps.
- Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions like multiple sclerosis and diabetic neuropathy have symptoms that include muscle cramps. While the odds of an underlying medical issue are low, you should see your physician if your cramps are severely painful or they don’t go away.
Sources:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/reasons-for-toe-cramps-4158163
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/what-can-i-do-about-foot-cramps#1
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/qa/what-medications-can-cause-muscle-cramps
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/condition-1399/muscle+cramps.aspx