Why cramp in foot

Most muscle cramps develop in the leg muscles, particularly in the calf. Besides the sudden, sharp pain, you might also feel or see a hard lump of muscle tissue beneath your skin. Muscle cramps usually disappear on their own and are rarely serious enough to require medical care. However, see your doctor if your cramps:. Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle strain or simply holding a position for a prolonged period can cause a muscle cramp.

In many cases, however, the cause isn't known. Although most muscle cramps are harmless, some may be related to an underlying medical condition, such as:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Many ligaments course from one bone to another. These provide stability to your foot. The muscles of your lower leg have tendons that travel down your ankle and connect to various places around your foot to move it.

There are also muscles between the longer bones of your foot. They help to shape and position your foot as you walk and run. On the bottom of your foot is the plantar fascia , a thick band of tissue that forms the arch of your foot. All of these ligaments, tendons, and muscles work together to support and move your foot. They allow your feet to do the things you're used to doing every day. Many times, you can make it through an entire day or week and not have any problems. So why would a foot or toe cramp come on so suddenly?

There are many possible reasons for your toe cramps. In fact, you may have more than one cause at the same time, which may make it even more frustrating as you try to find out why. The scientific community has not found a single factor that consistently causes toe and foot cramping. By understanding the possible causes of toe and foot cramps, you may be able to find the treatment that works best for you.

Reasons for toe cramps may include the following factors. One possibility is that you're not getting enough water intake. This can lead to electrolyte imbalances. Not having the right amounts of potassium, sodium, and other minerals can affect your muscles.

If an imbalance happens, the muscles in your toes and feet may start to contract uncontrollably. Yet not everyone who is dehydrated will get a leg, toe, or foot cramp, which can be confusing.

When you exercise, your body moves and uses energy. The activity helps keep your muscles strong and flexible. Exercise can also improve your balance and stimulate your nervous system. A nervous system that is working well offers better control of muscle tone and contraction. This can help keep cramps in your legs, feet, and toes at bay. Our feet take a lot of abuse each day.

The amount of force they are required to absorb and release with each step is far greater than your body weight. Wearing shoes that do not fit well may be causing toe cramps.

Think about the excess stress caused by jamming a foot into a tight-fitting pair of high heels. In the same way, footwear that fits poorly forces your feet and toes into positions where they don't work properly. They may rebel by cramping up at a moment's notice. This may, in turn, contribute to muscle spasms and cramps in your feet and toes.

Sometimes, medications can have side effects that cause cramping in the toes. As we age, the function of our nervous and muscular systems may slowly decline. Older persons have less water stored away in their muscles and tendons. This may cause muscle contractions and tightness in the muscles around your feet and toes. If you are having toe and foot cramps frequently, you should see your healthcare provider.

If vitamin D deficiency is the cause, vitamin D supplements may be suggested by the health care provider. Calcium supplements may also help. Being active helps keep muscles loose. Aerobic exercise, especially swimming, and strength building exercises are helpful.

But care must be taken not to overdo activity, which may worsen the spasms. Treatment depends on the cause of the spasms. For example, if they are due to dehydration, your provider will likely suggest you to drink more fluids. Some studies suggest that certain medicines and vitamins may help.

Disorders of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate balance. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Francisco GE, Li S. In: Cifu DX, ed. Jankovic J, Lang AE.