Definition
A cramp is an unwanted tension of a muscle. Cramps can occur in all muscles present in the body. However, certain muscle groups are particularly affected by cramps.
The reason for cramps is in most cases a magnesium deficiency, but they are also caused by a lack of fluids or a general nutrient deficiency. In rare cases, systemic diseases are the cause of the cramp. For this reason, a doctor should be consulted for clarification of the symptoms, especially if cramps occur repeatedly despite a balanced fluid and nutrient balance.
Causes
The possible causes of a muscle cramp in the foot are manifold. In most cases, the main cause is a lack of certain nutrients, especially magnesium. The muscles need magnesium to stop the contraction of the muscle.
Without magnesium, the process is much slower, the muscle remains contracted and the cramp develops. In addition to a magnesium deficiency, a lack of calcium, potassium or sodium chloride can also cause cramp in the foot. Such a nutrient deficiency can be caused by various reasons.
Extensive sweating, overstraining and fatigue of a muscle, lack of fluids, alcohol consumption and in rare cases systemic diseases are also possible causes of a nutrient deficiency. Sometimes cramps occur even without a proven nutrient deficiency. For example, cramps are more frequent during pregnancy than in non-pregnant women.
Systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism and nerve damage as well as foot malpositions can also cause cramps in the foot. Cramps in the foot do not always occur in isolation. If the cramp is caused by a disturbed electrolyte or fluid balance, not only one muscle is usually affected.
The cramping of several muscles is therefore likely in this case. In addition to the feet, the calf is another frequent site for the occurrence of cramps. The reason is the strain on the muscles there during the day.
Since the calf is directly connected to the foot, causes such as varicose veins, a circulatory disorder or a nervous disorder should also be considered as possible causes. Besides the foot, the cramps can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the hand. The causes of cramps in the hand are the same as for all muscles in the body.
The main cause, even if hand and foot cramps exist simultaneously, is an electrolyte deficiency. In addition, there are possible nervous diseases of the hand, as well as overstrain from sports such as swimming or playing certain musical instruments. A specialist in neurology should be consulted for clarification, especially in the case of prolonged muscle cramps in the hand and foot, where a lack of electrolyte is ruled out as the cause.
The instep is located on the upper side of the foot and is a possible site for a muscle cramp. Normally, cramps in the foot occur on the underside of the foot. If the instep is affected by cramps, several causes can be possible.
In addition to a shift in the electrolyte balance, cramps in the instep can also be caused by incorrect footwear, overloading from certain sports (e.g. ballet), or the presence of a hollow foot. Cramps in the foot can occur in all positions of the body. However, cramps often occur exactly 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 caused by lying down, but it is encouraged. If there is a nutrient or fluid deficiency or if the foot recovers from a heavy strain, the cramp can occur when lying down.
An unfavorable position when lying down, which is accompanied by a pinching of the nerves or blood vessels, can also lead to a cramping foot. In this case, a change of position can help. It is helpful to change from lying down to standing in order to end the cramp as quickly as possible.
Deliberate tension by alternately standing on your toes and heels can usually relieve the cramp. Also massaging the cramping region while lying down is sometimes successful. In case of cramps in the foot during swimming, as always, it should first be considered whether a magnesium or other nutrient deficiency could be responsible.A lack of fluid is also possible.
There are several reasons which can explain why swimmers suffer more often from cramps in the feet than other athletes. The first reason is that swimming requires the use of foot muscles that are otherwise rarely used. Since these muscles are not very pronounced, especially for occasional swimmers, cramps often occur in these areas when overexerted.
In addition, the body loses warmth very quickly when swimming in more or less cold water. The feet, as the part of the body furthest away from the base of the body, are particularly affected by this circumstance and for this reason cramps occur particularly quickly. Special care should be taken before swimming to stretch the muscles in the foot to prevent cramps.
Cramps are a common problem for pregnant women, both in the foot and in other places. It is known that pregnant women suffer from cramps much more often than non-pregnant persons. Especially in the last 4-5 months of pregnancy, cramps occur frequently.
It is typical that the cramps occur at night. The reason for the occurrence of cramps during pregnancy is often an unbalanced nutrient balance. The pregnant body needs more magnesium and calcium than normal, which is why these electrolytes are missing during contraction and relaxation of the muscles.
Observing a balanced diet during pregnancy is therefore the therapy of choice if cramps occur in the foot during this period. In individual cases, it may also be advisable to take dietary supplements. Before taking them, however, the doctor treating the patient should be consulted about their safety and benefits.
Another possible cause for the occurrence of cramps in the foot during pregnancy is the pinching of blood or nerve tracts. A change in sleeping position during night-time cramps or more exercise during the day can help here. In many cases, however, no cause for the cramps in pregnant women can be found.
MS (multiple sclerosis) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the outermost layer of nerve fibers in the body. As a result of this inflammation, so-called spasticity can occur in the course of the disease, which manifests itself in muscle cramps and pain. Which muscle is affected by the spasms depends on the individual course of the disease.
The muscles of the foot can also be spasmodically tense in the presence of MS. Typical for a cramp in MS is a general tension of some muscles, which lasts much longer than in cramps due to a lack of nutrients. Although MS is often almost exclusively associated with muscle cramps, cramps are an advanced symptom and do not necessarily occur in every person with MS. Sporadically occurring cramps in the foot should therefore not initially indicate the presence of MS.