When do your cramps occur?

Cramps in the foot can occur in all body positions. 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 severe 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 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 the tips of the toes and the heels of the foot can usually relieve the cramp.

Massaging the cramping region while lying down is also sometimes successful. Foot cramps can generally occur in all situations and sports. However, cramps that develop in the foot occur particularly frequently during swimming.

There are several reasons that can explain why swimmers suffer more frequently from cramps in the foot than other athletes:

The reason for this is first of all that certain muscles in the foot are tensed and required when swimming, which are only rarely used in normal walking and running. As these muscles are only slightly developed, especially in occasional swimmers, overloading these areas often causes cramps.
In addition, the body loses heat very quickly due to the stay 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 they cramp very 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 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 cramps or more movement during the day can help. It should also be noted, however, that in many cases no cause for the cramps in pregnant women can be found.