Foot cramps are terrible; there’s no doubt about it. But it may be within a person’s power to decrease their frequency. At the Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, our podiatrists are specially trained in sports medicine, and foot cramps are the most common foot problem among athletes. Therefore, we wanted to pass along some guidance on getting through a cramp and what may cause one.
A foot cramp is a muscle spasm in which the muscle suddenly tightens. When one happens, a person may be able to relieve their pain by putting pressure on the foot and stretching it out, using their hands to massage the muscles, if necessary. The cramps may be occurring because a person is overexercising, in which case they would need to change to a more balanced work-out routine. Another common cause is overly tight shoes, which compress muscles and restrict circulation. Shoes shouldn’t chafe the heels or be too tight for someone to wiggle their toes.
Muscles are also prone to cramping when they aren’t getting enough nutrition. People who are dehydrated or lacking in potassium tend to get a lot of foot cramps, so they need to make sure they’re replenishing their electrolytes. It’s also important to keep in mind that some problems, such as nerve damage, may feel similar to foot cramps, so it may be necessary to seek a professional opinion if self-management of foot cramps is unsuccessful.
Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.
