10 Foot Cramps Symptoms

By sandy

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Hand or Foot Spasms: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.' MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003194.htm
• 2. 'Muscle Cramp - Symptoms and Causes.' Mayo Clinic, 3 Mar. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscle-cramp/symptoms-causes/syc-20350820
• 3. 'Don't Let Foot Cramps and Charley Horses Slow You Down.' Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 15 Sept. 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/dont-let-foot-cramps-charley-horses-slow/
• 4. 'Peripheral Neuropathy.' National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 1 Feb. 2018, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies/peripheral-neuropathy
• 5. 'Weakness:' MedlinePlus medical encyclopedia. (n.d.). MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003174.htm
• 6. 'Plantar fasciitis - Symptoms and causes.' (2019, December 11). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354846
• 7. 'Foot pain causes. (2021, March 13).' Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/foot-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050792
• 8. 'Chronic foot pain? It could be this common condition. (n.d.).' University of Utah Health | University of Utah Health. https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php'shows=0/21qbg3dc
• 9. 'Plantar Fasciitis.' A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 16 Jan. 2018, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/p/plantar-fasciitis.html
• 10. 'Movement Disorders - Symptoms and Causes.' Mayo Clinic, 19 Oct. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/movement-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20363893

Medical Expert

More About Us

Those who experience foot cramps find the condition debilitating and painful. Foot cramps range in severity and duration and can be caused by a number of factors. In fact, a foot cramp doesn't necessarily need to be linked to a specific underlying condition such as health issues.

In some cases, simple changes to diet and water intake could resolve the cramps, while other causes may need a medical management plan. Foot cramps might not be a serious condition but could indicate serious shortages of nutrients which could lead to other conditions.

Spasms

Perhaps one of the most debilitating symptoms of foot cramps is a spasm. This can stretch throughout the entire bridge of the foot or localize in the toes. Some ways to manage it include simply massaging the affected muscle and pulling the toes back into position.

Severe and/or recurring spasms may require medical intervention. Common causes of foot spasms include an electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, nerve damage, pregnancy, hyperventilation and chronic kidney disease. Medical professionals may recommend a combination of medication, stretches and exercise routines and an increased intake of fluids.¹‘Hand or Foot Spasms: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.’ MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003194.htm

Fatigue

Fatigue is believed to be one of the leading causes of muscle cramps, including foot cramps. Overuse of the muscles can cause fatigue. If ignored, this can lead to cramping and spasms.

The overuse of muscles is common among athletes, especially those who rely on their feet to elevate their sport. Fatigue can place a tremendous strain on the muscle, which may lead to overcompensation. Runners, for instance, may experience leg, ankle and foot fatigue. Cramps are a sign that the feet are overexerted.²‘Muscle Cramp - Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 3 Mar. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscle-cramp/symptoms-causes/syc-20350820

Stiffness

Foot and calf stiffness become more common with age and is often referred to as a charley horse. While severe stiffness might be accompanied by pain, the stiffness usually resolves after a few minutes.

The stiffness usually doesn't indicate anything serious. It may indicate low hydration levels, not enough stretching and poor circulation. If the cramping doesn't stop, it's important to see a medical professional. While applying heat or pressure to the area may help, medication may also help manage pain.³‘Don’t Let Foot Cramps and Charley Horses Slow You Down.’ Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 15 Sept. 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/dont-let-foot-cramps-charley-horses-slow/

Pins and Needles

Commonly, pins and needles aren't caused by conditions. For instance, wearing shoes that are too tight or restricting blood flow to the feet can lead to cramping, and once the shoes or restrictions are removed, the sensation will go away.

However, when there is no apparent cause for the cramping and pins and needles, it's important to see a medical professional. Conditions, including nerve damage, caused by diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, or injuries could cause discomfort.¹‘Hand or Foot Spasms: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.’ MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003194.htm

Muscle Weakness

Muscle weakness has a number of causes and is one of the more common symptoms of foot cramps. The muscle overcompensates for weakness, which can lead to cramps. While neurological conditions, such as stroke and multiple sclerosis, can cause weakness, other causes include poisoning and muscle diseases.

Muscle weakness can be classified as objective and subjective. The prior is where the muscle has lost strength and the latter where the weakness doesn't result in actually losing strength.⁵‘Weakness:’ MedlinePlus medical encyclopedia. (n.d.). MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003174.htm

Stabbing Pain

Foot cramps can range from slight discomfort to stabbing pain, which may be debilitating. One of the more common causes of sharp or stabbing pain in the foot is plantar fasciitis. This condition generally improves after moving around for some time and can recur after moments of no movement or little movement, such as sitting or standing.

Special foot exercises and stretching may relieve the condition. The condition may be exacerbated by certain exercises, age, obesity and foot mechanics.⁶‘Plantar fasciitis - Symptoms and causes.’ (2019, December 11). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354846

Swelling

Swelling is one of the more serious foot cramp symptoms. Injuries such as broken and fractured bones, muscle and tendon injuries could lead to swelling. While some instances will just require elevation, others may need further medical attention.

Swelling combined with foot cramps may also indicate underlying conditions, such as inflammation or infection. It may also be a result of diabetic neuropathy, arthritis, gout, bone spurs or tumors. See a doctor if the pain and swelling persists and is accompanied by fever.⁷‘Foot pain causes. (2021, March 13).’ Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/foot-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050792

Twitching

Twitching is a common symptom of foot cramps and happens when the foot involuntarily moves. While twitching on its own isn't painful, it can be painful when it happens during a cramping session.

Twitching may also indicate an underlying cause of the foot cramp, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. Abnormal mineral levels, overuse during sport and dehydration may all lead to twitching. It can also indicate a vitamin D shortage.¹‘Hand or Foot Spasms: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.’ MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003194.htm

Chronic Pain

Foot cramps that don't dissipate after a period of time or are recurring might indicate chronic foot pain. While it's not serious on its own, it could lead to complications or indicate an underlying condition.

Chronic foot pain requires medical intervention to ensure the patient doesn't have inflammation, sepsis or conditions such as arthritis or neurological conditions. While some conditions require a simple approach, such as plantar fasciitis, others may require medication.⁹‘Plantar Fasciitis.’ A Non-Profit Hospital in Los Angeles | Cedars-Sinai, 16 Jan. 2018, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/p/plantar-fasciitis.html

Rapid Motions

One of the less common symptoms of foot cramps is uncontrolled movement of the feet.¹‘Hand or Foot Spasms: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.’ MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003194.htm These rapid motions are slightly more severe than twitching. These movements should end once the cause of the foot cramps is identified.

If the rapid movements persist, further medical intervention is needed as it could indicate a movement disorder. Conditions that could cause these movements, along with foot cramps, include Huntington's disease, dystonia and chorea.¹⁰‘Movement Disorders - Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 19 Oct. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/movement-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20363893