Foot Cramps Can Be Painful
A cramp occurs when a muscle experiences involuntary spasms. This can happen anywhere in the body. Cramps don’t usually last very long, but they can be intensely painful. Recovery can take days. Cramps in the feet are common. They often happen in the arches of the feet, but you might experience cramps in the toes or the calf muscles as well.
Foot cramps can occur at any time, day or night. They can even happen while you’re asleep. Fatigue is a factor; well-rested people are less at risk. Hormonal factors are associated with foot cramps. Cramps during pregnancy are common, especially during the third trimester when all of the body’s systems are hard at work to support mother and baby. Men and women are more vulnerable to foot cramps after the age of 80 than at any other time of life.
The good news is that there are steps that you can take to keep foot cramps at bay. Here are some suggestions:
Be sure to stretch before exercising, even if you’re just going for a walk around the block. Muscles are less likely to cramp if they’re warmed up.
Eat a balanced diet rich in minerals including calcium, magnesium, and calcium, all of which are believed to reduce cramps.
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is a factor in cramps. Avoid caffeinated beverages which can deplete the body of fluids.
Try a relaxing bath before bed if nighttime cramps are an issue. This will relax you and keep muscles warm.
If you experience a cramp, try to walk on the affected foot if you can. Sometimes a shift in position is enough to stop the cramp. If that doesn’t help, try a heating pad or a soak with some Epsom salts. An over-the-counter pain-relieving medication should help with any lingering discomfort.
If you are experiencing recurring foot cramps, a board-certified podiatrist can help with diagnosis and treatment.
Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.