Do you suffer from muscle cramps and have been searching for a ‘podiatrist near me?
Young or old, athletic, or not, muscle cramps seem to get the better of many of us. The question, ‘Why does muscle cramping occur’ is one that we thought we’d answer in this post.
Join us as we go over a couple of reasons that can cause this uncomfortable and often painful condition.
Reason #1 Dehydration
Studies tell us that anywhere between17-28% of adult Americans suffer from chronic dehydration. Dehydration alters your internal equilibrium affecting ions and electrical signals.
Thankfully, dehydration is easy to remedy – drink enough water. But just what constitutes sufficient daily fluid intake? Well, according to the mayo Clinic, men should be drinking 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) and women 11.5 cups (2.7 liters)
Reason #2 Inadequate blood supply
Muscle cramps in the legs, especially for runners, may be caused by an inadequate supply of blood. Reasons for this might be cholesterol buildup in the blood, pinched arteries, or arteries blocked by tumors.
Severe cramps might be indicative of a more serious issue such as compartment syndrome. This critical condition whose symptoms include sensations of pins and needles requires urgent care.
Reason #3 Pinched nerves
‘Pinched nerves’ is the lay term for nerve compression. Running down your back from the base of your brain is your spinal cord. This tubular structure boasts an impressive 31 pairs of nerves. The main function of these nerves is to transmit electrical signals from your brain to the rest of your body.
However, when they are compressed because of inflammation, pressure, or old age this can lead to cramps and conditions like sciatica which affects the lower back, hips, buttocks, and legs.
The best way to rule out possible foot and ankle issues are to visit a podiatrist first. If the problem is indeed a spine-related one, you may then be referred to a chiropractor to help decompress any pinched nerves.
Looking for a podiatrist near you?
Dr. Lonny Nodelman is one of the leading podiatrists in Alexandria, VA. If you’re concerned about muscle cramps in your legs, feet, or ankles, don’t hesitate to contact us. Request your appointment today.
Looking for more insight? Check out our previous posts:
- The Overlooked Risks of Cortisone Injections in the Foot and Ankle
- Cortisone Shot in Foot, Does it Help?
- Inner Ankle Pain
Disclaimer: Any information provided in this blog is not intended to replace medical advice given by qualified professionals.