Have you ever experienced a sudden tightening of your foot or leg muscles in such a way that you needed to hold them or rub them to bring your muscles back to their original place? These muscle constrictions are known as “foot cramps” and, needless to mention, their occurrence is excruciatingly painful.
Why do foot cramps occur? Here are a few common causes:
- Staying hydrated is crucial for our body to perform its functions properly. One of the main reasons for foot or leg cramps is dehydration, especially when the water supply is not replenished during or after exercise and strenuous work-outs.
- A condition called “lumbar stenosis” could be the reason for your cramps. This is when your spine narrows its passage causing nervous compression in the areas connecting the lower back and your legs.
- Insufficient supply of minerals to your muscles also causes cramps. Minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, etc. are essential for the proper functionality of the muscles. Certain medications also tend to use up the mineral storage from our bodies, leading to dehydration and cramps.
- Foot cramps can also be attributed to poor blood flow in your legs and feet. This state is worsened if you are experiencing artery or vein compression which results in fluid accumulation around your feet and ankles.
Usually, we tend to take cramps lightly as they occur for a few (though seemingly endless) minutes. However, if you feel that their frequency is increasing or their duration is longer, then it is advised that you visit your podiatrist and get your feet examined thoroughly.
At Joseph Stuto, DPM, we specialize in treating a range of foot and ankle-related conditions with years of experience and excellent results. Our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Joseph Stuto is committed to providing patients of all ages with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options. We have two offices conveniently located in Brooklyn: (718)624-7537 (Brooklyn Heights) and (718)567-1403 (Brooklyn). Call or visit us at your ease and convenience and say goodbye to foot cramps!