Dealing with Foot Cramps

Although not usually a serious medical problem, foot cramps can be extremely painful. At Goldsmith Podiatry, we want to offer our Manhattan patients some information about what’s behind this annoying problem which can happen day or night.

Why Feet Cramp

There are several potential causes of leg and foot cramps. A few of the more common ones include:

Medical Conditions—hyper or hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis are all disorders that may result in foot cramps.

Electrolyte Imbalance—in order to contract properly, muscles need certain minerals in the correct quantities. An imbalance in the amounts of sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium can all cause muscles to fire improperly and cramp. A few things that can create an imbalance are diarrhea, cirrhosis, or dialysis.

Excessive Activity—If you’ve spent the entire day standing or you are currently engaged in a vigorous exercise regimen, you may experience foot cramps.

Unsupportive Footwear—shoes that are completely flat or high heels can put a large amount of strain on the arch of your feet. It leads to muscle fatigue and cramping, especially if you are walking or standing for extended periods as well.

Medications—some medicines used to treat a wide array of conditions from high blood pressure to asthma, bone health, and inflammation can have the side effect of causing foot cramps.

Getting Relief from Cramps

Since cramps have such a vast range of sources, it’s important that you consult our podiatrist, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff to find out what’s causing your cramps. The foot doctor will examine you and get a complete medical history to discover why you are experiencing cramps. Your road to relief will depend on the root cause of the cramps. Exercises, changes in medication or footwear, avoiding standing for a long time without a break, and staying hydrated may all help. If you are experiencing cramping in your feet or legs, don’t wait--make an appointment at our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 today.