Help! Foot cramps!

TooFatToFit

There must be some stretches or something I can do. I have custom orthotics, but they're not helping with this issue.

When I get to the gym I do 5 minutes of elliptical before moving on to the machines. I don't feel it on the elliptical but as soon as I get off and get to the leg press the cramps in the arch of my feet starts and lingers for the next 5-10 minutes. It's horrible in the right, but sometimes the left bothers me as well. It's awkward.

Then there is Zumba...the first time I went it only hurt the first 10 minutes or so. Last night I went for the second time and it was terrible, both feet, the entire hour! It made it really hard to keep up.

Does anyone have any advice, please?

merB89

I'm not an expert at all, but sounds like you might have a little bit of plantar fasciitis. It bothers me at times too. They sell special things that you can roll your foot out on (this is the one I have. I really like it: http://www.amazon.com/The-Stick-Foot-Wheel-Footweel/dp/B000P9UGIC/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1318555399&sr=8-2-fkmr0) or I've heard of people using a golf ball put in the freezer to get it nice and cold. If mine is acting up just a little rolling a few times a day can really help. Good luck! I know that kind of pain is no fun!

squishysangel

There are couple of things I would recommend...first-be sure you are getting enough calcium, magnesium, and potassium...all of these tend to help with cramping..if I drink a glass of milk for 2 days in a row I notice a huge difference in the number and severity of myu foot cramps...second...get some skettchers tone ups (or a knock off) both my mother in law and I used to get horrible cramps in our feet...it was to the point where the pain was an everyday all day thing...now no more pain...unless I dont get enough milk

MrsBlobs

Hiya. I'm not sure what to recommend really, other than paying a vist to your podiatrist or orthopod and getting them to take a look (I'm assuming there is a reason you have inserts).
My money would be on your foot wear.
I was getting foot cramps but it's stopped now. I'm not even sure why. I am paying special attention to the position of my feet, ankles and knees while I'm working out, but I'm also getting fitter and used to doing what I'm doing - so it could be that.
I can empathise. When starting the 30ds I would get through one circuit to the abs bit and lay on my back not only doing crunches but wiggling my feet to try and loosen the cramp!

TooFatToFit

Thanks for your answers.

I got the inserts because I thought I had plantar fasciitis(sp?0) but the doctor said I didn't....yet. I've been bad though, too, because all summer I wore my flip flops even though I paid for it with painful feet. But it was a hot, humid, HUMID summer and my feet get so hot...I can not resist flip flops. lol

i do have a pair of those knock off Sketchers (because the brand name is unbelievably priced! :sick: ) but I never wore them much because I felt like I looked silly. However, maybe it would be a good idea to get over that.

I eat bananas and yogurt fairly regularly, but milk is usually only in my coffee because I can't afford the calories. lol Maybe I'll look into some supplements and see if that helps, too.

I'm thinking that most of my foot problems just may be alleviated once they aren't supporting such a heavy load. Hopefully once I am lighter, they will feel better. Thanks all.