Let's face it-muscle cramps are a real pain, and they happen at the worst times. Charley horses and foot cramps can pop up in the middle of the night, but also happen during exercise. Fortunately, there are a multitude of ways you may be able to prevent them from happening in the first place! What is cramping?Simply put, a cramp is the contraction of a muscle that causes pain; usually severe enough to cause you stop whatever you were doing and cry out. It isn't always obvious what is causing a cramp, so here are some possible causes: ● Low Hydration-Without the necessary fluids, your muscles can't function optimally and are more prone to cramping. You should try to consume at least eight glasses of water a day, and more during exercise or strenuous activity.● Skipping Stretching-stiff muscles from lack of stretching can contribute to muscle cramping, so be sure to use a simple stretching routine before exercising.● Too Much Exercise-Always build up your exercise routine slowly and gradually to avoid over-stressing your muscles which can lead to excessive soreness and cramping.● Improper Nutrition-Your muscles depend on the electrolytes sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Disruption of your electrolyte balance, or not replenishing them during exercise can cause more muscle cramping.● Improper Footwear-Possibly the most important thing to consider when it comes to susceptibility to foot cramps is properly fitted shoes with correct arch and ankle support. Although foot cramps are rarely serious, if you are experiencing regular cramping and cannot determine the cause your podiatrist can help diagnose the problem. Mark A. Borovoy, DPM, andJohn D. Miller, DPM, ofAssociated Podiatrists, P.C. in Novi, MI are experts in all areas of foot and ankle care, and will be happy to assist you with any problems you may be experiencing with your feet. You canrequest an appointment on our website or feel free to call us at 248-348-5300.
