Severe cramps in foot after working out?

hbarnes89
hbarnes89 Posts: 16
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi guys! So I have been working out consistently the past two weeks, and every now and then after a workout, my left foot will cramp up BADLY. The ball of my foot contracts and taking a step hurts hardcore, and if I try to rest it without any pressure, it's like a Charlie Horse in my foot (where it feels like it just keeps on contracting and never ever ever will stop until it all collapses on itself.) I've noticed that it is the worst after stationary biking. I stretch before and after every workout, including flexing/pointing my feet. I eat a banana about a 1/2 hour before I work out, too, to have potassium in my system. Any suggestions?? Today I had to get help walking to my car from the gym it hurt so bad.

Replies

  • hbarnes89
    hbarnes89 Posts: 16
    bump? :)
  • 1brokegal44
    1brokegal44 Posts: 562 Member
    I sometimes have a similar foot cramp issue after working out--usually in the arch of my foot. Are your shoes supportive enough? Too hard or squishy? Try getting some gel insoles specially designed for athletics. Hydrate enough and stretch--even your feet and toes. If the issue still persists, you may want to check with your doctor.
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    Sounds a little like Plantar.
  • hbarnes89
    hbarnes89 Posts: 16
    Sounds a little like Plantar.

    I was afraid of that :/
  • EmilyJackCO
    EmilyJackCO Posts: 621 Member
    I get these ALL the time. And I do mean every workout, after, at night, etc. I've tried the potassium thing, I can't eat bananas before working out, or I throw up. (I can't eat anything for at least 3 hours before working out, or I'll hurl.) I get them when I'm doing heavy squats or leg presses especially. I've tried potassium, calcium, B-complex. I've tried everything. And I get them in all these different places in my feet, too. What's really bad is trying to drive home in a standard with cramps in both feet. >.<

    It is actually worse for me if I haven't been wearing heels for a while like when I wasn't working much for the last quarter of 2012. Now that I'm back at work and in heels more often, the cramps are less often. My trainer thinks this is because I have really high arches and I danced pointe ballet at 8 (most girls don't start pointe training til 11 or 12). And I do wear heels about 75% of the time, 3-4" at least...

    I found a few things that help - a hot water foot spa, as hot as I can stand with a cup and a half of epsom salts. But if it's in the middle of the night? I jump up and grab the Biofreeze and a pair of big fluffy socks. I also started having my massage therapist try to work out some of the kinks, and that's helped - she's who gave me the idea about the foot spa. I used to do Tiger Balm too, but my feet are a bit too sensitive, and Icy Hot just burned me.

    I hope one of those ideas might help you too. I wouldn't wish this on anyone else!! :( I've actually suffered this most of my adult life.
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    Sounds a little like Plantar.

    I was afraid of that :/

    I get them too, It's a little different where my toes actually pull down towards the bottom of my foot. I have high arches which don't help.
  • rshields9093
    rshields9093 Posts: 20 Member
    I sometimes have a similar foot cramp issue after working out--usually in the arch of my foot. Are your shoes supportive enough? Too hard or squishy? Try getting some gel insoles specially designed for athletics. Hydrate enough and stretch--even your feet and toes. If the issue still persists, you may want to check with your doctor.

    I used to have quite a lot of cramping issues during my workouts until I started sipping a sports drink slowly throughout the workout. That seems to have taken care of the issue. But be careful of the calories in a sports drink depending on your dietary goals. Also make sure you are adequately hydrated throughout the day.
  • 1Fizzle
    1Fizzle Posts: 241 Member
    I have had this issue also...Make sure you are hydrated, and for me I had to make sure my shoes were tied nice and tight, I found when there was extra room in my shoes it made me have cramps. One of the things that helped me was to keep a tennis ball close by. It kept my feet stretched and less likely to tighten up. Good luck!
  • EmilyJackCO
    EmilyJackCO Posts: 621 Member
    I have had this issue also...Make sure you are hydrated, and for me I had to make sure my shoes were tied nice and tight, I found when there was extra room in my shoes it made me have cramps. One of the things that helped me was to keep a tennis ball close by. It kept my feet stretched and less likely to tighten up. Good luck!

    Oooo! I'm going to try the tennis ball trick too... I'll try *anything*! :D
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 7,966 Member
    If it is plantar, keep your calves stretched.
  • jakeVScalories
    jakeVScalories Posts: 107 Member
    Word. Gel In-soles help. i do a spin class weekly and towards the end i always have the same pain, it helps to stretch your foot out before and after and. Epsom Salt baths can really help aid aches and pains.
  • jeepyj93
    jeepyj93 Posts: 392 Member
    I get them when swimming a long time and it is because I am dehydrated and don't realize it because I am swimming. My toes will curl if it gets to bad.
  • schristianholliday
    schristianholliday Posts: 9 Member
    This happened to me about two weeks ago. I ignored it the first day although I could not sleep do to the throbbing pain. By 7 am the next morning, I had my husband take me to the ER. They said it was tendinitis. They prescribed be ibprofen (reduce inflammation), vicodin (pain), and a steroid. By 6 pm that night I was ready to Zumba again (this is what hurt my foot in the first place). I came to my senses and realized that it was only the medicine that was allowing me to feel good. Four days later I was ready to walk normally.
  • lisadiane41
    lisadiane41 Posts: 141
    I get that too. I had a neuroma and planters but that did not cause it. I did have foot surgery and it did not solve the problem. So my doctor prescribed pennsaid is works miracles, plus before exercising I stretch my foot out with a band. Also make sure you have very good sneakers too. If it continues see a foot doctor or an orthopedic specialist that specializes in the foot/ankle.
  • cole_ashleyy
    cole_ashleyy Posts: 104 Member
    If it is just a cramp... or it happens even when you're doing things to prevent it... (and you're gonna HATE this... plus I only really recommend doing it at home)... you put your foot in the toilet (relaxed/pointed) and flush. I know it sounds gross... but the cold water and circular motion help get it out. Trick a dance teacher taught us years ago.
  • mdcoug
    mdcoug Posts: 397 Member
    Or, if you don't want to put your foot in a toilet, fill a sock with rice and pop it in the microwave for a few minutes. Makes a nice heat pack. Hold that where your foot is cramping until it goes away. I have foot cramps all the time and it seems to be worse when I'm not drinking enough water throughout the day.
  • hbarnes89
    hbarnes89 Posts: 16
    Or, if you don't want to put your foot in a toilet, fill a sock with rice and pop it in the microwave for a few minutes. Makes a nice heat pack. Hold that where your foot is cramping until it goes away. I have foot cramps all the time and it seems to be worse when I'm not drinking enough water throughout the day.

    Well, at least I know I am definitely drinking enough water. I'd already drunk 48 oz of water before my work out, and drank another 16 oz as I worked out on the bike. I go over my 8 cups every day.

    The cramping went away after I sat awhile and didn't put any pressure (standing, walking, or otherwise) on it. I'll see how it feels tomorrow, if it's still hurting afterwards there is a student clinic in my gym and I'll get it looked at.

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