While foot cramps are perfectly natural, they are also perfectly annoying. Marathon runners and couch potatoes alike all get foot cramps on occasion. This debilitating problem, while not dangerous, can be an excessively uncomfortable experience.
To identify what is physically occurring during foot cramps, understand that this is a simple involuntary muscle spasm. This occurs when the muscle contracts without the necessary accompaniment of the shortening of the muscle.
These painful spasms are generally caused by:
Poor Circulation
When the area is not receiving the proper amount of oxygen to the muscle, it can cause cramping. Exercising the area by walking, or by stretching the foot and wiggling the toes will generally solve this.
Fatigue of the Foot
Feet that have been overworked recently are especially susceptible to foot cramps as the muscles are tired.
Potassium Deficiency
Potassium, found in salt play an important part in hydrating the body and the muscles. When the body does not have enough potassium it cannot properly regulate the body, and therefore the muscles. Over-the-counter vitamins can solve this, or a quick Gatorade.
Nutritional Deficiency
Potassium is not the only nutrient needed to ensure that your system is functioning properly. Your body needs a complete set of nutrients to ensure that it is working in peak condition. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and nutrients will ensure that you avoid muscle cramps, and of course you will have better health in general.
Dehydration
While potassium helps regulate the body, it must also have enough water to keep the muscles functioning properly. Lack of water in the system can cause a build-up of unwanted cells in the muscles, which can cause muscle cramps.
Pinched Nerves
When the nerve is pinched and the communication between the muscle and the brain is delayed, the effect can be a foot cramp. This is essentially caused by the brain having a lack of information about the area and is seizes, like your computer does when it does not have enough information to operate.
If the condition persists or returns frequently then see a doctor to ensure that there is no underlying health condition causing the cramp. Doctor's visits are generally not required as most cramps can be prevented with proper hydration, exercise, and diet. Consider doing yoga to increase muscle strength and flexibility, which prevent foot cramps from happening in the first place.
If you have a proper diet, hydration and physical activity, you can fix the occasional foot cramp by:
1. When a foot cramp occurs immediately put pressure on the effected foot.
2. Despite the pain, try to walk. This will cause the muscle to relax and provide a natural massage type motion.
3. If the pain persists sit down while keeping pressure on the foot.
4. Wiggle your little piggly-wiggly’s. This will help to contract then release the muscle.
5. Massage the area by rubbing in a circular motion on the arch of your foot.
6. If the pain still persists, or just for good measure, pull your toes back as far as they will go. This stretch will help relax the muscle, ensuring that it will not re-cramp.
