What causes foot cramps?

Question

A foot cramp hurts like heck and it feels like someone is taking a clamp and clamping down on my foot. What causes cramps and how do I prevent them from happening? What should I do if I am experiencing a cramp?

Answer 1

Lack of potassium generally cause cramps. You can go to the local drug store or wal-mart and pick up some supplements. Be careful though to not take too many supplements, as high potassium levels are lethal. Ask a doctor or pharmacist for help on how much to take. Also, potassium, potatoes, and sweet potatoes are a good source of potassium.

Answer 2

As someone who has SEVERE cramps on a semi-regular basis, I can tell you a couple things...

1) Not sure what causes it, but it's related to extended your muscles in a way that they aren't suppose to be bent.

2) The best way to get rid of it quickly, and easily: Sit down, extend your leg out as far as you can, and pull your toes back towards your knee. You'll want to do that firmly and if done right, cramp should fade within a second or two.  

Answer 3

There is a million different things.  Where exactly is the pain?  Here's some common causes:

    *  Stress or fatigue in the foot – An overworked foot is often susceptible to foot cramps.

    * Poor circulation – Foot cramp is caused by lack of oxygen being carried to the foot.

    * Lack of potassium – This important mineral, found in salt, helps regulate body chemistry and keep you foot cramp free.

    * Dehydration – Lack of water in the muscles contribute to foot cramps.

    * Changing hormone levels – Foot cramps may occur while muscle tissue adjusts to these changes.

    * Pinched nerves – Caused when the electrical impulse from the brain cannot reach the muscle, this can cause foot cramps, numbness and other symptoms.

    * Alcohol or tobacco use – Since both lend to dehydration, poor circulation and toxicity, these are a triple threat for foot cramps.

    * Nutritional deficiency – A healthy diet, complete with all essential nutrients can keep muscles and nerves functioning normally.

    * Environmental toxicity – Certain “poisons” we encounter (via factories, contaminated water, etc.) may play a role in increased foot cramps.

    * Chemical sensitivity – Some prescriptions may change the conditions in the body and make foot cramps more likely.

Answer 4

i think potassium will help, like bananas and such.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

plzzz!!

Answer 5

This probably won't be your best answer, but I  have the same problem, and it is usually when I'm laying in bed after basketball or something where I do a lot of work on my feet. I've just heard to eat more banannas to get more potassium would help.