Cramps in the foot

definition

A cramp is an unwanted one Tensing 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 ceases Magnesium deficiency but is also supported by a Fluid or general nutritional deficiencies caused.

In rare cases systemic diseases causal for the development of the spasm. 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 Deficiency in certain nutrients, first of all magnesium. The muscles need magnesium to stop the muscle from contracting. Without magnesium, the process is carried out much more slowly, the muscle remains contracted and the cramp develops.
In addition to a magnesium deficiency, a Deficiency in calcium, potassium, or sodium chloride cause a cramp in the foot. Such a nutritional deficiency can be caused by various causes. Extensive too sweat, one Overuse and muscle fatigue, Dehydration, Alcohol consumption and, 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 like Diabetes mellitus, Hypothyroidism and a Nerve damage as well as a Footexposure can also cause cramps in the foot.

Cramps in the foot and calf

Cramps in the foot do not always occur in isolation. Will the cramp of one disturbed electrolyte or fluid balance usually not only one muscle is 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 is Stress on the predominant muscles there during the day. Since the calf is directly connected to the foot, causes such as Varicose veins, a Circulatory disorder or one Nerve disease should be considered as possible causes.

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 is also a simultaneous hand and foot cramps Electrolyte deficiency. There are also possible Nerve disorders of the hand, as well as a Overload through sports such as swimming or playing 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.

Cramps in the foot and instep

The instep is on the Top of the foot and is a possible place for muscle spasm. Usually cramps in the foot occur on the bottom of the foot. If the instep is affected by cramps, there are several possible causes. In addition to a Shift in the electrolyte balance also come with cramps in the instep wrong footwear, one Overload through certain sports (e.g. ballet), as well as that Presence of a pesus in question.

Cramps in the foot when lying down

Cramps in the foot can occur in all body positions. Often, however, cramps occur precisely when the foot is most relaxed. 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.

Lies a Nutrient or dehydration before or the foot recovers from heavy stress, the cramp can occur when lying down. An unfavorable position when lying down, which with a Clamping of the nerve or blood vessels can also lead to a cramped foot. A change of position can help in this case.

That is helpful Change from lying down to standing 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

If there are cramps in the foot while swimming, as always, one should first consider having a Magnesium- or another Nutritional deficiency could be responsible for it. A lack of fluids is also possible.

There are several reasons that may explain why swimmers suffer from foot cramps more often than other athletes. The reason for this is initially that when swimming otherwise rarely used foot muscles to be needed. Since these muscles are not very well developed, especially in casual swimmers, cramps often occur in these areas when they are overloaded. In addition, by staying in more or less cold water the body reacts very quickly Loses heat. 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. Special care should be taken before swimming To stretch muscles in the footto prevent cramp.

Cramps in the foot during pregnancy

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

The reason why cramps occur during pregnancy is often an unbalanced nutrient balance. The pregnant body requires more magnesium and calcium than normalwhich is why these electrolytes are absent from muscle contraction and relaxation. 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, however, the attending physician should be consulted about the harmlessness and benefits.
Another possible cause of foot cramps occurring during pregnancy is this Clamping off blood or nerve tracts. A changed sleeping position for night cramps or more movement during the day this can help. In many cases, however, no cause for the cramps in pregnant women can be found.

For more information, see Cramps during pregnancy

Cramps in the foot in multiple sclerosis

MS (multiple sclerosis) is one chronic inflammatory disease of the outermost layer of nerve fibers in the body. As a result of this inflammation it can lead to 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 spasm in MS is one general tension in some muscleswhich lasts significantly longer than cramps due to a lack of nutrients.

Although MS is often almost exclusively associated with muscle cramps, cramps set Advanced symptom and do not have to occur in every sick person. Sporadic cramps in the foot should therefore initially not indicate the presence of MS.

For more information on multiple sclerosis, see multiple sclerosis

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 often goes with Pain as long as the cramp persists.
Depending on which muscle is affected, the foot or the toes are in an uncomfortable position. The cramps occur frequently at night, or during a sporting activity as well as directly after the stress the muscles.
If there are systemic diseases that are responsible for the convulsions, further individual symptoms may occur, which, however, are related to the disease and not to the convulsion.

diagnosis

Although in most cases the Taking electrolytes To remedy this, it is sometimes useful to see a doctor to find out the individual cause of the occurrence of the cramps. An exact anamnese (detailed discussion with the doctor) about when the cramps occur and what the eating habits are, as well as whether the cramps occur in connection with sporting activities can help the doctor to make the diagnosis. A Blood test also provides information about whether there is an electrolyte deficiency and which therapy makes sense on an individual basis.

therapy

If cramps occur on the foot, an additional one can be initiated Nutrient absorption help prevent the cramps from recurring. The taking of Magnesium, calcium and sodium chloride in amounts that do not exceed the maximum recommended dose should therefore be the first step. The nutrients you need are usually available from pharmacies or drugstores. It is also to a sufficient extent Hydrationr to pay attention.
If these measures are unsuccessful, a doctor may be considered. This can be done using a detailed anamnese as well as one Blood test find out whether and which nutrient deficiency is present and whether systemic diseases are responsible for the cramps.

For more information, see Cramps despite taking magnesium - what can I do?

forecast

The duration of a cramp varies greatly. Depending on the cause, a cramp can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. However, a cramp in the foot usually goes away within a minute. To acutely shorten the duration of the cramp, it can help to shift your weight onto the cramping foot and thereby consciously tense the affected muscle in order to provoke the muscle to relax.

A single cramp is self-limiting, as the muscle lacks the energy for tension after a while and therefore relaxes by itself. A foot that keeps cramping can often be remedied by following the recommended therapy.