Why am I Getting Foot Cramps at Night?
Are you waking up with foot cramps at night and wondering how to get rid of your pain? We can help, but first we have to find out what’s causing your discomfort. And to help get to the root of your problem, this post reviews some of the most common cause of night time foot cramps.
Foot Cramps at Night: Dehydration
Not drinking enough water could leave your feet cramping. Why? Well, a cramp occurs when your body sends a faulty message to your muscles that they should clench. And, in order for your body to send the right neurologic signals, your body needs to stay hydrated. So, try upping your daily H2O intake if you keep waking up with foot cramps at night.
Dietary Triggers
Sometimes, you get foot cramps at night because you aren’t getting the right nutrients. If you’re low on sodium, calcium, magnesium or potassium, messages between your brain and your foot muscles could get crossed. In this case, try beefing up your nutritional intake with leafy greens, lots of fruit or a vitamin supplement that includes B vitamins.
Overworking at the Gym Causes Foot Cramps at Night
We all know exercise supports good foot and overall health. But if you work your muscles hard, and skip the pre-and-post workout stretching, they’ll stay tight. And they’ll be more likely to cramp once you stop moving, like when you’re in bed at night. Want to stay safe and stop the cramping? Stretch your calf and foot muscles daily, when possible. But at the very least, stretch them out after a long walk or hard work out.
Circulation Challenges
In some cases, feet cramps at night or during the day mean your extremities aren’t getting enough blood flow. This could be a sign of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) or other medical conditions. So be sure to mention this symptom to your doctor if the cramps don’t improve with better hydration, nutrition and stretching.
Finding Relief for Foot Cramps at Night
In most cases, you can relieve the pain of a cramp quickly. When a cramp wakes you up, try stretching and massaging your foot. If you feel up to it, try walking around the room or even pedaling for a bit on a stationary bike. If these measures don’t work, warm or cold compresses could help ease your cramps. And if you’re in pain, you can take an anti-inflammatory medication for relief.
Now, if foot cramps at night become a regular concern, it’s important that you come in to the office to discuss your symptoms. We can also explore whether your foot wear can be contributing to cramping, and offer supportive solutions to help you find lasting relief.