What Foot Cramps That Wake You Up at Night Mean

Nighttime foot cramps are painful and will wake you up when they occur.

Although, they are harmless,  in rare cases, they can be a sign of more serious conditions. At Princeton Sports and Family Medicine P.C. in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, we can help you prevent them. 

In this month’s blog, we will examine this phenomenon in greater detail so you can learn more about nighttime foot cramping. 

The potential causes of nighttime foot cramps

There are many reasons why you might develop foot cramps, and it is not always easy to determine the cause. Nighttime foot cramps are often idiopathic, meaning that the actual source of the cramps is unknown. 

Some common reasons that foot cramps occur day or night include:

• Sitting for long periods
• Foot and leg inactivity for extended periods
• Sitting posture that restricts blood flow or compresses nerves
• Certain sleep postures
• Ill-fitting footwear
• Shoes with too little cushioning or support
• Standing on hard surfaces for extended times
• Dehydration
• Certain medications, such as blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and statins 
• Women on birth control and people receiving dialysis 
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Nutritional deficits, including magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, folates, and thiamin
• Pregnancy
• Metabolic diseases like anemia, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease
• Peripheral artery disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Arthritis
• Parkinson’s disease

Tips for preventing or relieving nighttime foot cramps

There is no simple fix for the foot cramp issue but if an underlying condition is identified, treating this condition can be critical to reduce frequency and recurrence. 

A common example that we see is with patients with diabetes who control their blood sugar levels well may find their foot cramp problem lessens. 

Exercise is another way to improve your leg cramping. Regular activity encourages blood flow and cardiovascular benefits, such as flushing away the by-products of cellular breakdown. Stretching exercises can help local conditions in your leg, too. 

When a cramp comes, address it. Massage and stretching during an active foot cramp can help. Flexing your foot and pressing your big toe down may help but intense cramps may require standing or walking to relieve the muscle contraction. 

Keep an eye on your shoes and replace pairs with noticeable wear or deteriorating cushioning and arch support. Firm heels and wide toe boxes may help to keep your feet comfortable both day and night. 

When nighttime foot cramps resist your home care efforts, contact Princeton Sports and Family Medicine P.C. online or by phone to schedule an examination and diagnosis today. 

Our friendly staff is ready to answer your questions and get you scheduled.