How to Treat & Prevent Foot Cramps
Experiencing a lower leg or foot cramp is a rather common and extremely painful experience that is something we’d all like to avoid. Fortunately, most cramping is caused by dehydration so by making an effort to drink plenty of healthy fluids throughout the day you will help prevent cramps and keep your whole bodily system working more optimally.
Foot cramps can also be caused by complications of circulatory problems like peripheral artery disease and other systemic diseases including diabetes and arthritis, so see your foot doctor for any persistent or recurring cramping issues.
To treat and prevent calf and foot cramps use the following tips:
Treating foot cramps—When you first start feeling a cramp coming on, stand and step forward with the unaffected leg while bending at the toes and stretching out the calf muscle in the affected leg. Foot cramps can also be relieved by sitting with your legs outstretched and pulling back on your toes with your hands. Cramps will often continue to loosen up while taking a hot shower or bath.
Preventing foot cramps—Staying properly hydrated, especially when working hard, exercising, and playing sports will help prevent leg and foot cramping. Your muscles need fluids and minerals to operate properly so be sure you are getting enough potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
If you experience foot cramps frequently, there may be an underlying cause so see your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment. At Fit Feet for Life, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies and years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including heel pain, sports injuries, toe deformities, nail fungus, and plantar warts. Bonnie Sanchez, DPM, Gregory Cook, DPM, and Huy L. Nguyen, DPM provide high quality foot and ankle care to patients in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area at our five offices conveniently located in Sun City Center, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and our two Tampa locations. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.