Foot cramps during squats

Do you get enough calcium, magnesium and potassium? Are you well hydrated? Do you stretch a bit first? If yes, then welcome to the club. I don't know if it has anything to do with it BUT, I have a toe spur. Just so happens I am always getting charlie horses in that foot. It's annoying.

Squat barefoot.

To this point, have you tried different shoes, no shoes, etc?

You don't want your weight on the balls of your feet lest you tip over. Midfoot is ideal. What is the angle that you have your feet at? Also, shoulder width apart? Have you had anyone look at your form?

I have the same problem!! I get it while running, too. Doing squats barefoot don't help, but running barefooted (yes, running miles without shoes) helps with that. But I still don't know what to do!

I get this problem quite often as well while working out. Usually have to stop and shake it out before continuing. Super annoying! I drink PLENTY of water during the day, eat a balanced meal and work out often. Wish it didn't happen, I look crazy in boot camp hopping around in the middle of squats shaking my foot around.

I used to get foot cramps several times a day. Then I started taking a prenatal vitamin b/c I was trying to get pregnant, and my foot cramps were pretty much gone. Not sure how much cal, mag or pot is in a prenatal, but I always hear that being deficient in those can be the cause of regular cramping. That and being dehydrated. No idea if this is true or if the vitamin thing was just a coincidence but it's worth trying a daily vitamin if you think you might not be getting enough of something. I also started having A LOT of s.e.x. around the same time, so maybe that's what did the trick.:laugh:

Edited b/c I spelled hear: here. Punches self in face.

No joke - I've heard miracle stories from "The Good Feet Store"

Squat barefoot.

To this point, have you tried different shoes, no shoes, etc?

You don't want your weight on the balls of your feet lest you tip over. Midfoot is ideal. What is the angle that you have your feet at? Also, shoulder width apart? Have you had anyone look at your form?

I'm going to second this. It helped me immensely to squat without shoes.

I've tried two different pairs of runners, both very flexible. I haven't tried barefoot yet. I squat shoulder width apart. My boyfriend and his brother have watched me squat and given me pointers on my form.

Are they 0mm drop runners or are they running shoes with cushioned heels? If they have padding under the heel, that is the likely culprit. You're lifting on an incline . . . .

edited to add - if you have the weights in your house, just give barefoot a try. So many folks lift in converse because they're flat. If barefoot works, show your appreciation by PMing me photographs of your feet . . .

I've tried two different pairs of runners, both very flexible. I haven't tried barefoot yet. I squat shoulder width apart. My boyfriend and his brother have watched me squat and given me pointers on my form.

Are they 0mm drop runners or are they running shoes with cushioned heels? If they have padding under the heel, that is the likely culprit. You're lifting on an incline . . . .

They are minimalist runners.

Damn. Then I got nothin'.

I have this issue - and not just during squats. I've had it for a decade plus, and have tried just about everything I can think of. They are so bad, it looks like my toes are trying to run away. I get them in my outside metatarsals or arches, and even up into my ankle I take a Cal/Mag supplement (on top of a boatload of others) - try to get enough potassium in as well. I found what helps is actually Smart Water or Gatorade, even if I am fully hydrated, the additional electrolytes seem to help.

On the high heel note - I have gone years with and without wearing them, and wearing 3" or higher heels several times a week seems to keep them at bay as well. I'll get them constantly wearing ballet flats. So I wear heels all the time to work, swap over to New Balance running shoes for the gym, and just power through them. Oddly, the higher the heels, the less likely the cramps. CAVEAT: I danced ballet until I was 12, and did pointe for 4 years starting at age 8. This might have something to do with it.

If they do happen when I'm lifting, I get through the set, and then take the rest time to stretch it out as much as I can. My gym is kinda grody, so I don't kick off my shoes, but I've considered it.

My feet are basically hands at the bottom of my legs (really long toes and I can pick *kitten* up with them) I have always had a problem with foot cramping. It's extremely painful and happens a few times a week on its own. When it happens my toes go in weird directions and I can't control it..

Anyways.. this happens every time I do squats with a heavier weight and it is driving me crazy. I am usually in tears by the end of my squats. Does ANYONE have this problem or am I just a foot freak? Any tips? I've tried putting all the weight on the balls of my feet, heels of my feet & both but nothing has helped.

Most likely caused by muscle imbalance. Hard to tell which muscles are affected without further assessment. You might need to consult a Physical Therapist who is working in a sports rehab (not just any therapist, its like consulting an OB for a surgery) so he can do a bunch of tests. Feel free to PM me if you need some more info.