What Should I Do If I Experience Foot or Leg Cramps? You should immediately make an appointment with your podiatrist. Circulation Issues: if you have noticed that the cramping is becoming frequent when you walk, it may be a result of circulation problems.When changing shoes from flats to heels, you may experience cramping in the calf muscle as they are forced to shorten and then flex simultaneously. Your Shoes: Many people don’t realize this, but your footwear choice could be responsible for foot and leg cramps.If you are prone to cramps, be sure to take frequent breaks when performing any physical activities that require vigorous movement. Muscle Fatigue: Overexertion of your muscles will lead to fatigue and cramping.Muscles that are not regularly stretched will shorten over time, so when a muscle is eventually lengthened, maybe by exercise or running, a severe foot cramp might be the result. Lack of Stretching: Simply stretching for a few minutes every day will help your muscles stay in tip top shape.Contact your physician to let them know about the cramping issue right away. If the cramp onset coincides with taking new medication, your new medication could be the culprit. Medication Side Effects: Medications like statins and furosemide can lead to muscle cramps.Instead, be sure to eat a healthy and balanced diet filled with various colorful fruits and vegetables. But be sure to visit your doctor first, because taking excess supplements, especially when you are unsure which electrolyte you are lacking, can be harmful. Nutritional Imbalances: Electrolyte imbalances (sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium) could be the culprit.Best recommendation for water intake is eight glasses of 8 oz. Dehydration can cause the muscle to contract and result in a cramp. Not Enough Water: Cramps could be a result of not drinking enough water.There are many reasons why the foot and calf muscles might involuntarily cramp or stiffen, which include: If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.If you’ve ever been jolted awake in the middle of the night due to a stabbing pain in your calf or foot, you know that leg or foot cramps, otherwise known as a “Charley Horse,” can cause sudden, severe pain and stiffness that is nearly debilitating. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve).Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. If your doctor prescribes medicine, take it exactly as prescribed.Increase your exercise a little each week. Do not suddenly increase the amount of exercise you get.Regular stretching can relax your muscles and may prevent cramps. Stretch your muscles every day, especially before and after exercise and at bedtime.Others get relief by rubbing the calf with an ice pack. Some people find that a heating pad placed on the muscle can also help. Take a warm shower or bath to relax the muscle.The cramp usually goes away after a few minutes. It may help to place a rolled towel under the ball of your foot and, while you hold the towel at both ends, gently pull the towel toward you while you keep your knee straight. To stop a leg cramp, sit down and straighten your leg as you bend your foot up toward your knee.
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