Cramps in the foot

definition

At a Cramp it is an unwanted tension in a muscle. Cramps can occur in any muscle in the body. However, certain muscle groups are particularly often affected by cramps. In most cases, the reason for a cramp is a magnesium deficiency, but it is also caused by one Liquid- or a general one Nutritional deficiency caused.

In rare cases, systemic diseases (Conditions that affect the whole body) is the cause of the cramp. For this reason, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the symptoms, especially in the event of recurring cramps despite a balanced fluid and nutrient balance.

causes

There are many possible causes of a muscle spasm in the foot. In most cases, the main cause is one defect in certain nutrients, especially magnesium. The muscles need magnesium for that Termination of contraction of the muscle. Without magnesium, the process is carried out much more slowly, the muscle remains contracted and the cramp develops.

If you are interested in the biological background of muscle contraction, you can find out more about muscles here.

In addition to a lack of magnesium, a lack of calcium, potassium, or sodium chloride can also cause a cramp in the foot. Such a nutritional deficiency can be caused by different causes. Profuse sweating, overuse and Muscle fatigue, Dehydration, alcohol consumption or, in rare cases, systemic diseases are possible causes of nutrient deficiency.

Sometimes cramps occur even without a proven nutritional deficiency. So are cramps during the pregnancy more often than in non-pregnant women. Systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism and nerve damage, as well as a misalignment of the feet can cause a cramp in the foot.

Find out more about the topic here: Cramps despite adequate magnesium intake.

diagnosis

Although in most cases taking electrolytes will help prevent the cramps, it is sometimes useful To see a doctorto find out the individual cause of the cramps occurring.

A doctor's diagnosis can be made easier by taking a detailed history of when the cramps occur and like that Eating habits are, as well as whether the cramps are related sporting activities occur. A blood test also provides information about whether there is an electrolyte deficiency and which therapy makes sense on an individual basis.

Symptoms

The main symptom of a cramp on the foot is involuntary contraction of the affected muscle. The contraction is almost always called unpleasant felt and is often associated with pain as long as the cramp persists. Depending on which muscle is affected, the foot or the toes are in an uncomfortable position. Often the Cramps during the night or a sporting activity, as well as directly to the strain on the muscles.

If there is a systemic disease, other individual symptoms may occur, which are, however, related to the disease and not directly to the spasm.

What can be done to prevent cramps in the foot?

If cramps occur in the foot, an additional intake of nutrients can help to prevent the cramps from recurring. The ingestion of magnesium, calcium and sodium chloride (in amounts that the maximum recommended daily dose should therefore be the first step if cramps occur in the foot. The necessary nutrients are usually in the pharmacy or one Drug store available. It should be noted, however, that the recommended amount of magnesium varies from person to person, depending on, for example, physical activity and stress. It is also to a sufficient extent Hydration to pay attention.

You can find more comprehensive information on the subject here: Nutritional supplements.

If these measures are unsuccessful, consulting a doctor can be considered. With the help of a detailed anamnesis and a blood test, the doctor can find out whether and which nutrient deficiency is present and whether any systemic diseases are responsible for the cramps.

Duration and measures for a cramp in the foot

The duration of a cramp varies greatly. Depending on the cause, a cramp can occur between a few seconds and several minutes last for. However, a cramp in the foot usually goes away within a minute.

In order to acutely shorten the duration of the cramp, it can help to shift the weight onto the cramping foot and thereby become aware of the affected muscle to tighten and to provoke relaxation of the muscle. A single cramp is self-limiting, because after some time the muscle lacks the energy for tension and therefore relaxes by itself. A foot that keeps cramping can often be remedied by following the recommended therapy.

When do your cramps occur?

Cramps in the foot while lying down

Cramps in the foot can occur in all body positions. However, cramps often occur precisely when the foot most relaxed is. This is usually the case when lying down. Whether lying on the couch or in bed at night, the cramp in the foot is usually not triggered by lying down, but it is promoted. If there is a lack of nutrients or fluids or if the foot is recovering from a heavy load, the cramp can occur when lying down. An unfavorable position when lying down, which is accompanied by a pinching of the nerve or blood vessels, can lead to cramping feet. A Change of position helps in this case.

Switching from lying down to standing is helpful in order to end the cramp as quickly as possible. A conscious tension through alternating standing on tiptoe and heel can usually resolve the spasm. That too Massage the cramping region while lying down is partially successful.

Cramps in the foot while swimming

Foot cramps can generally occur in all situations and sports occur. However, cramps that develop in the foot occur particularly frequently during the Swimming on. There are several reasons that can explain why swimmers more often suffer from cramps in the foot than other athletes:

• The reason for this is, first of all, that certain muscles in the foot are tense and required when swimming, which are only used very rarely during normal walking and running. Since these muscles are not very well developed, especially in casual swimmers, cramps often occur in these areas when they are overloaded.
• In addition, staying in more or less cold water causes the body to lose heat very quickly. The feet, as the body part furthest from the base of the body, are particularly affected by this fact and for this reason cramp particularly quickly.
• Finally, before swimming, special attention should be paid to stretching the muscles in the foot to warm them up and thus prevent cramps.

Cramps in the feet during pregnancy

Cramps, both in the foot and elsewhere, are a common problem for pregnant women. It is known that pregnant women suffer from cramps significantly more often than non-pregnant people. Especially in the last 4-5 months cramps are common during pregnancy. It is typical that the cramps occur at night.

The reason why cramps occur during pregnancy is often an unbalanced nutrient balance. The pregnant body needs more magnesium and calcium than normal, which is why these electrolytes are lacking when muscles contract and relax. Paying attention to a balanced diet During pregnancy, the treatment of choice is therefore the treatment of choice for cramps in the foot during this time. In individual cases it can also be useful to take dietary supplements. Before taking it, however, the attending physician should about the harmlessness and the benefit be consulted.

Another possible cause of foot cramps during pregnancy is the pinching of blood or nerve tracts. A changed sleeping position for night cramps or more movement in the course of the day can help.

However, it should also be noted that in many cases no Cause for cramps in pregnant women can be found.

Get more information on: Cramps during pregnancy.

Where else do your cramps occur?

Cramps in the foot and calf

Cramps in the foot do not always occur in isolation. If the spasm is caused by a disturbed electrolyte or fluid balance, not only one muscle is usually affected. The cramping of several muscles is likely in this case. The calf, along with the feet, is another common place for cramps to occur. The reason for this is the strain on the predominant muscles during the day. Since the calf is in direct contact with the foot, should also Varicose veins, one Circulatory disorder or various Nerve disorders should be considered as possible causes.

Click here for more information on the topic: Calf cramps.

Cramps in the foot and in the instep

The instep is on the top of the foot and is a potential site for muscle spasm. Usually cramps in the foot occur on the bottom of the foot.

If, on the other hand, the instep is affected by cramps, there may be various causes. In addition to a shift in the electrolyte balance, incorrect footwear, excessive stress caused by certain types of sport (e.g. ballet) and the presence of a hollow foot can also be considered when there are cramps in the instep.

Get more information on this topic: Pain in the instep.

Cramps in the foot and in the hand

In addition to the foot, the cramps can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the hand. The causes of hand cramps are the same as for all muscles in the body. The main cause of hand and foot cramps is an electrolyte deficiency.

There are also possible Nerve disorders of the hand, as well as one Overload through sports like swimming or the Splay certain musical instruments. Especially in the case of long-term muscle cramps in the hand and foot with the simultaneous exclusion of electrolyte deficiency as the cause, a Specialist in neurology be visited for clarification in order to rule out more serious illnesses.

Eye twitching

Since cramps are often caused by a magnesium deficiency, it can happen that in addition to foot cramps, twitching eyelids can occur. It can do both Upper as well as that Lower eyelid be affected, but usually only one eye and not both eyes at the same time.

In most cases, it is an eye twitch no underlying disease.If a nutrient deficiency can be ruled out, stress is the most common cause of eye twitching and disappears on its own. Increased alcohol consumption can also cause eye twitching. However, if the eye twitching persists, a doctor should definitely be consulted.

Learn more about this topic: Eye twitching.

Cramps in the foot in multiple sclerosis

MS (multiple sclerosis) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the Myelin sheaths, the outermost layer of nerve fibers in the body. As a result of this inflammation it can become so-called in the course of the disease Spasticity come, which manifest themselves in muscle cramps and pain. Which muscle is affected by the cramps depends on the individual course of the disease.

The muscles in the foot can also be spasmodic when MS is present. Typical of a cramp in MS is a general tension of some muscles, which lasts a significantly longer time than cramps that are caused by a lack of nutrients. Although MS is often almost exclusively associated with muscle cramps, cramps are a symptom at an advanced stage dar, and must not with everyone sick person occur.

In the case of sporadic cramps in the foot, conclusions should not be drawn immediately about the presence of MS.

Learn more about the topics: Symptoms and Diagnostic options.