Foot cramp

[nickymanley]

Often, after exercising (when I am doing my warm down) I get agonising cramp in my foot which takes about ten minutes to go away. I also can get cramp in my foot when just lying on the sofa and it is absolute agony. Any ideas on how to get rid of it or prevent it from happening?

[ratbag66]

Are you drinking enough fluid, dehydration can cause muscle cramps. 

[nickymanley]

I drink loads - especially when exercising, always need the loo about 20 times after exercising (prob too much information eh?!)

[ratbag66]

Ok, so not dehydration!  Another possibility is a loss of electrolytes (in sweat) - have you tried drinking 'sports' drinks to replace the lost salts etc?

[Clanad]

There are three basic causes to cramps of the foot.  The technical terms are unimportant to this discussion, however, the most common and often related to exercise is caused by low potassium levels. This is one of the two "salts" to which ratbag66, refers.  The other two primary causes are often related in that they both can involve reduced circulation.  If ones shoes cause pressure points during exercise, the circulation can be inhibited.  This is most noticeable in cramps in the big toe or calf.  Increase your intake of potassium and assure that your shoes are adequately fitted...

[Darjeeling]

Add a couple of grains of sea salt to a bottle of water or to a glass of water (only a grain or 2 - don't make it taste salty!).  This will change the structure of the water and the body will find it easier to use and you're cramps may ease up.

[nickymanley]

Thanks for the advice guys, will definitely try the sports drinks/couple of grains of salt in water but I also get cramp when I am just relaxing. Hopefully the above remedies will cure that as well!

[Susan123]

It could also be a fallen arch which is very painful, and can occur if you haven't got the correct supportive footwear.  It happened to me, but as I could "see" my arch, ie it didn't look flat, I didn't realise what it was, but the chiropractor sorted it out. It is so painful, I commiserate with you if this is what you have.  Have you been to a physio or a chiro?

[Noweia]

If you get a foot cramp, pull your toes back (or up) to stretch out the muscle that's cramping.  Hold them up, then release them, then pull them back again, until the cramp stops.

[nickymanley]

Haven't been to a physio or chiro Susan - was hoping it wouldn't come to that! As it only happens a couple of times a week I doubt (and hope!) it isn't a fallen arch. Exercised last night and didn't get cramp!!! Yippee!!!! Thanks for the exercise Noweia - will def try that next time!