Mucle Cramps

healthy living

DrSugar Answers: Bothersome Foot Cramps

DrSugar is in the house!

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions.

Dear DrSugar,
What’s the deal with foot cramps? I never got them when I was younger, but lately, I’ve been getting them frequently — especially when I’m lying in bed or trying to point my toes in Pilates class. My foot will sort of seize up and cramp into a weird position, and no massaging seems to make it go away. It seems to happen more on days when I wear heels, but not always. Do you have any idea what causes foot cramps and how I can prevent them?
— Cramped Style

As a fellow sufferer of muscle and foot cramps, I am so glad you asked this question. Muscle cramps (including the foot) are extremely common; in fact, according to MedicineNet.com, it is estimated that 95 percent of people experience a muscle cramp at some time in their life! There are many causes and treatments of muscle cramps, so if you are interested in learning more, keep reading!

Stretching

The Skinny On: Muscle Cramps

Chances are high that you've had a Charley horse at some time in your life.

Chances are high that you've had a Charley horse at some time in your life. No doubt it was painful, but did you ever wonder what causes those dang cramps and how you can avoid them? While the exact cause of muscle cramps remains a mystery, it is believed they come from overexertion and dehydration.

Weak muscles are more likely to get overexerted when exercising and this overexertion depletes the muscle of oxygen. Without oxygen, waste product builds up in the muscle causing the fibers to spasm and shorten the muscle. Keeping muscle fibers strong and long (this means stretching) helps them do their job much better. Yep, stretching is key.

Want to learn what else contributes to cramping? Then read more