The foot cramps usually occur sporadically and under specific conditions; however, when they are manifested frequently, they could indicate a nutritional deficiency, such as lack of potassium, hydration problems, or other less common medical conditions that could be affecting this area. Determining if these discomforts appear frequently and under what conditions they appear can help give an accurate diagnosis; however, at FastlyHealwe explore the common causes of foot cramps, along with the ideal treatments in each case.
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Foot cramps caused by physical activity
Cramps are involuntary muscle spasms that occur for a variety of conditions. One of the most common causes of foot cramps is excessive physical activity, especially when it is done on the challenging ground or with shoes that do not offer adequate support and cushioning.
In this way, it is normal to feel cramps in the feet when we spend many hours walking or standing when we carry out the prolonged physical activity without being habitual athletes when we begin to carry out intense activities without having previously warmed up or after exercise, especially if we have not stretched.
A simple way to avoid this type of spasm is to use suitable shoes for sports practice that offer good cushioning, and in the case of being prone to this discomfort inserting sports insoles can help avoid it. In addition, it is recommended to exercise progressively so as not to load the muscles and always make sure to warm up and stretch during the activity.
Potassium deficiency
Keeping ourselves adequately hydrated and ingesting all the vitamins and minerals our body requires is essential for its proper functioning. One of the causes of cramps in the feet or other areas of your body such as legs or arms may be potassium deficiency, an essential mineral for proper muscle contraction and relaxation and to prevent the appearance of cramps, especially when we do sports.
The symptoms of potassium deficiency are:
- Tachycardia
- Diarrhea
- Muscle weakness and general malaise
- Cramps
- Increased thirst
In the case of presenting these symptoms, it is essential to visit a doctor to diagnose potassium deficiency. Incorporating potassium-rich foods into the diet, such as bananas, legumes, vegetables such as chard, carrots or artichokes, nuts, melon, or strawberries, is the best way to combat their deficit.
Inadequate hydration
If you do not consume adequate amounts of fluids daily, and especially before, during, and after physical activity, you will likely begin to experience cramps in your feet and legs. Water is essential for our general health and to keep our muscles healthy. When we do not drink the necessary amount of at least 2 liters per day, it is customary to begin to experience muscle spasms and discomfort.
In addition to cramps, some of the symptoms of dehydration are:
- Dry mouth and lips
- Feeling thirsty
- Decreased or absent urine
- Fatigue
- Dry Skin
In these cases, the solution is to increase your fluid intake daily, especially if you do physical activity, sweat a lot, or live in a hot climate with high temperatures. Incorporating foods rich in a liquid such as fruits and vegetables is essential to ensure hydration.
Circulation problems can lead to foot cramps
Spending a long time in the same position where the foot does not receive good blood circulation, for example, when we sit in this area or sleep all night in the same place, is one of the sporadic causes of foot cramps.
However, if this is repeated frequently, it may be a general blood circulation problem. If, in addition to cramps, you have tired legs, varicose veins, or you are a very passive person, it is advisable to consult a doctor to check the state of your blood circulation.
Conditions that can cause foot cramps
The most frequent causes of foot cramps are those explained above. However, some certain diseases and conditions can cause muscle spasms in this area; some of them are:
- Diabetes, especially untreated. This condition causes nerve damage and problems with blood flow that can lead to cramps.
- Certain kidney conditions such as nephropathy or kidney failure can cause these spasms.
- Thyroid disorders.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Huntington’s disease.
- Parkinson’s disease .
If the most common causes such as excessive physical activity, lack of potassium, fluid, or poor circulation are ruled out, it will be appropriate to go to a specialist to identify if the foot cramps are linked to an underlying disease.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Foot cramps: causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Bones, Joints and Muscles category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.