Foot Cramps: What’s the Cause?

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Foot cramps can be caused by fatigue, poor circulation, nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, and health problems like diabetes. Cushioning inserts, a balanced diet, hydration, and medical treatment can help alleviate foot cramps. Persistent foot cramps should be evaluated by a doctor.

Foot cramps are something many people experience from time to time. There are many different reasons why foot cramps can develop. Some have to do with nutrition, while others are due to excessive strain on the feet themselves.

One of the most common reasons for foot cramps is old-fashioned fatigue. Cramps can occur when your feet are simply tired from walking or standing for long periods of time. This can be especially true in environments where the walking and standing take place on a hard, unforgiving surface, such as concrete. Often times, adding cushioning inserts to your shoes helps minimize the stress and strain on your feet and helps eliminate frequent foot cramps.

Foot pain and cramps can also be a sign of decreased circulation. When blood flow to your extremities isn’t what it should be, those extremities aren’t getting the oxygen they need. When it comes to the feet, an inadequate supply of oxygen can cause the muscles in the feet to cramp. Addressing the health issue that is causing decreased circulation will help minimize the incidence of foot cramps.

A lack of essential vitamins and minerals can also lead to foot cramps. Low potassium levels often cause both leg and foot cramps. Nutritional deficiencies can be corrected by eating a balanced diet and using supplements to provide the body with whatever it is not getting from food. A foot cramp from a poor diet can be reversed in a matter of days, when the body starts getting the right balance of vitamins and minerals on a daily basis.

Poor hydration can also trigger a bout of foot cramps. Drinking water often helps; however, anyone who smokes or drinks alcohol on a regular basis will want to try and cut down on these habits. Both smoking and alcohol consumption can increase the chances of dehydration and thus can be the main cause of foot cramps.

General health problems can also lead to foot cramps. People with diabetes sometimes experience foot cramps due to reduced oxygen flow to the feet. There are treatments that help minimize the physical discomforts caused by diabetes and other health conditions, and minimize the risk of cramps in one or both feet.

Often, foot cramps are a temporary pain that goes away quickly with some lifestyle or dietary changes. If your foot cramps persist, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Foot cramps can be a sign of an underlying disease that can be treated effectively if caught in the early stages.




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