How Healthy Are Your Feet?...
Dr Dawn Harper, an ambassador for Sole Bliss, says our feet can reveal a lot about our health, and there are some signs which should not be ignored.
Around 90% of women suffer from some form of foot problem during their lives, according to a survey. One such problem is foot cramp – experienced by both sportsmen and women.
Foot cramps are involuntary and painful spasms that affect either one or a group of muscles. They can last for minutes or they can continue for days at a time causing some soreness.
Foot cramps most commonly occur in the arch of the foot and can also move to the toes and calf muscle as well.
Normal foot cramps will go away with stretching or massaging the feet. However if you suffer more than occasionally, poor blood flow could be the cause.
When your body gets low in fluids and electrolytes, your muscles become more vulnerable to spasms and cramps, so it's also important to stay hydrated.
Chronic or recurring cramps in the foot may include leg cramping. Night-time calf cramping affects approximately 1 in 3 adults. This could signal more serious problems, including nerve compression.
Too little of minerals such as potassium, calcium or magnesium in your diet could contribute to muscle cramps. Magnesium plays a role in neuromuscular transmission and muscle contraction.