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Foot Cramps: Prevention And Treatment

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If you've ever experienced a nasty foot cramp, you know how painful and persistent they can be. A bad one can wake you from a sound sleep and force you to  walk it out for ten or twenty minutes. An occasional foot cramp attack might not seem important, but frequent attacks can wreck your sleep, make workdays difficult, and impact your athletic activities. Fortunately, you do not have to continue to suffer. You can take steps to prevent and treat this problem.

Causes

Foot cramps can be caused by a variety of reasons, including simple aging. Nutritional lapses can also cause this issue, particularly low levels of electrolytes. When you are low on calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium, cramps can result. Certain medications, dehydration, compromised circulation, and even ill-fitting footwear can also be part of the problem. Sometimes particular medical conditions can cause foot cramps, including pinched nerves and diabetes.

Home Treatments

Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce or eliminate your foot cramps. You can help cure the low electrolyte issue by eating a well-balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables. Experts recommend that you use food instead of supplements to get enough calcium, potassium, and vitamin D if at all possible. Stretching and massaging your feet can help as well as making certain that you wear shoes with good arch support. Elevating and wrapping your foot in an elastic bandage can also offer relief. Often you can find solutions to your occasional cramping problems at home.

Medical Intervention

If you have severe and frequent foot cramps, you need to consult with a physician. A specialist can prescribe custom orthotics that will give your feet the special support that they need and help prevent cramping. They can also prescribe certain exercises that may give you relief as well as suggest footwear that will lessen the problem. Yes, you may have to give up your high heels. Sometimes foot cramps can be an indication of a more serious underlying condition, so do not ignore frequent or extremely painful episodes.

Foot cramps may sound like a minor annoyance, but they can cause you to lose sleep and experience a great deal of pain. You can take steps to prevent and treat this issue on your own, but if you suffer from frequent and painful episodes, seek out the help of a medical professional {like those at Rainbow Pediatrics}. Foot cramps are no laughing matter, so take yours seriously and work to eliminate them.


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