A painful foot cramp or spasm can strike seemingly out of nowhere and have you cringing and rolling on the floor. While the cause of many cramps is poor hydration, cramping can also be exacerbated or caused by systemic illnesses such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and other circulation issues.

The pain and locking sensation of a foot cramp can often be relieved by standing on the foot and pulling hard on the big toe.

4 possible reasons for experiencing cramping in your feet and lower legs may include the following:

1)    Poor muscle nutrition—Sufficient levels of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are needed for proper muscle functioning.

2)    Not getting enough fluids—When you’re not staying properly hydrated by drinking healthy fluids, your muscles don’t function correctly and can cramp up. Consume plenty of healthy fluids and water throughout the day to prevent cramps and other issues.

3)    Not properly warming up before sports or exercise—Stretching and flexing before playing sports, running, or exercising will help prevent cramping due to muscle stiffness.

4)    Wearing poorly fitting footwear—One of the major factors that contribute to possible cramping and other foot and ankle injuries is not wearing properly fitted shoes with the right orthotic inserts for your precise foot shape. Your foot doctor can perform a computerized gait analysis to get help get you sized and fitted with the right footwear.

If you experience recurring problems with cramping in your feet, contact your podiatrist for the proper diagnosis and treatment. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Kathleen Pyatak-Hugar, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.