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 prone to 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 (diseases affecting the whole body) are the cause of the cramp. For this reason, a doctor should be consulted for clarification of the symptoms, especially in the case of recurrent cramps 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. If you are interested in the biological background of muscle contraction, you can read about muscles in detail here. 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 factors. Extensive sweating, overstraining and fatigue of a muscle, lack of fluids, alcohol consumption or in rare cases systemic diseases are 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 a malposition of the feet can cause cramps in the foot.
Diagnosis
Although in most cases taking electrolytes helps to prevent the cramps, it is sometimes useful to consult a doctor to find out the individual cause of the cramps. A doctor’s diagnosis can be facilitated by a precise anamnesis about when the cramps occur and what the eating habits are like, as well as whether the cramps occur in connection with sporting activities. A blood test also provides information about whether there is an electrolyte deficiency and which therapy is appropriate for the individual.
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