What to do about Foot Cramping
If you have ever experienced foot cramping, you know that it can be very painful. In fact, all types of muscle cramps are painful and at the time, you feel like it is never going to end. There are several reasons why muscle cramps develop. And, because the foot is an extremity, there are even more causes for foot cramping. Let’s take a look at some of them.
One of the causes of foot cramping can be inadequate circulation. Because the foot is an extremity, your feet, along with your hands, are among the first places to suffer if your blood circulation decreases. Foot cramping can occur when there is a decrease in blood and oxygen flowing to the foot.
Another issue when it comes to foot cramping is tiredness. Maybe you are on vacation and you have been walking all day, or you work in a factory where you have to stand on rebar for eight hours straight. In both of these instances, foot cramping is a definite possibility. If you have to stand all day long, invest in a good pair of shoes or boots. These can help alleviate the problem as can putting inserts into your shoes. Inserts can add extra padding and give you more comfortable feet.
All types of cramping can occur when you do not drink enough water every day. Dehydration is a major cause of muscle cramps, including foot cramping. Drink lots of fluids every day. Also, if you drink a lot of alcohol and have muscle cramps, it’s time to cut down the amount of alcohol you drink or quit.
If you are not eating a good diet, foot cramping is a definite possibility. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products. If you are not getting enough vitamins and minerals, your muscles will cramp. Be especially careful to maintain a good potassium level. If you just cannot eat the right foods to get needed nutrients, take vitamins and supplements if necessary. While not as good as food choices, they can still stop cramping and get you back on the right track.
If you have a major health issue like diabetes, you can have foot cramping. The feet are particularly affected by diabetes and should be checked every day. Your doctor should look at your feet every time you have a diabetes follow-up appointment as well. If you are a diabetic and have any type of foot problem, see your doctor right away.
There can be a large number of causes for foot cramping. In addition to the ones we have already discussed, you could be putting extra stress on your foot. Maybe you are training for a running race and have increased your mileage too quickly. Another reason for a foot cramp could be your hormone levels. Any change in hormones affects muscle tissue.
Finally, foot cramping can be caused by toxic substances in the workplace or in the environment. Poisons we may encounter every day such as pesticides in foods can cause muscle cramping anywhere in the body.
You can take ibuprofen to relieve the pain of a muscle cramp. Other activities which can bring relief are a warm bath, elevating your foot, massaging your foot at the site of the cramp, applying ice to the foot, and staying off the foot until it feels better.
If you have chronic foot cramping, it’s time to see your doctor to diagnose the underlying cause. Until you know for sure why the cramp is occurring, you will be at a loss as to how to get rid of the problem for good.