Foot cramps

ChristyP0303
ChristyP0303 Posts: 212 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Over the past month, I've added jogging to my exercise. I actually began the C25K a few days ago. So my problem is this, the right side of my right foot starts cramping after about 8 or 10 minutes. At first I thought it was because I didnt have on wide shoes so I got new shoes, still did it. Tried some basic inserts, still does it. My left foot is fine so I dont think it is a technique issue. Anyone experience this and what did you do to correct it? It seems the more intense I try walking or jogging, the more it cramps up and almost feels like part of it goes numb...and why would it not do it on both feet?

Replies

  • Gary6030
    Gary6030 Posts: 593 Member
    Could be a possibly injury? Are you stretching before hand. The "Runners Stretch" is a great stretch to stretch the arch of the foot, the calf, hamstrings and quads. I used to get bad foot cramping and one thing I found was that the top of the shoe known as the toe box was too tight. I loosened it on my shoe. The right foot is typically bigger than the left and maybe you need to loosen it up some. The numbness hmmmmm that part sounds more like injury. I'll watch and see what the more experienced runners are saying. Anyway keep up the great work. Week 2 of C25K for me.
  • RaeannePemberton
    RaeannePemberton Posts: 382 Member
    Hard to say... have you been fitted for shoes? Most running stores will do a stride analysis to look for any unbalanced/misalignment issues.

    The only thing I can relate this to is when I do the elliptical I get numb feet... but not quite the same. I would suspect that if it's not serious this will go away as you get stronger. And totally, STRETCH!
  • ChristyP0303
    ChristyP0303 Posts: 212 Member
    Could be a possibly injury? Are you stretching before hand. The "Runners Stretch" is a great stretch to stretch the arch of the foot, the calf, hamstrings and quads. I used to get bad foot cramping and one thing I found was that the top of the shoe known as the toe box was too tight. I loosened it on my shoe. The right foot is typically bigger than the left and maybe you need to loosen it up some. The numbness hmmmmm that part sounds more like injury. I'll watch and see what the more experienced runners are saying. Anyway keep up the great work. Week 2 of C25K for me.

    Thanks! I've tried loosening it up and it doesn't seem to make a difference. No, I don't stretch before, only after. Nothing else seems to bother me. I'll have to look up the "Runners Stretch". If it were an injury should it not hurt all the time? It never hurts, only when I'm really walking fast or start the jogging. So irritating because I really need to start getting ready for the Warrior Dash. Guess I'm going to have to break down and see a specialist. Boo hoo!
  • ChristyP0303
    ChristyP0303 Posts: 212 Member
    Hard to say... have you been fitted for shoes? Most running stores will do a stride analysis to look for any unbalanced/misalignment issues.

    The only thing I can relate this to is when I do the elliptical I get numb feet... but not quite the same. I would suspect that if it's not serious this will go away as you get stronger. And totally, STRETCH!

    No I haven't been fitted.

    I go numb on the elliptical too! My toes on both feet go numb when I do that. But no cramping like the treadmill.
  • mikesnwgirl
    mikesnwgirl Posts: 112
    As you know I'm not a runner (yet). It sounds like a nerve is getting pinched if it's going numb. Just my thought I don't really know.
  • lonelytylenol
    lonelytylenol Posts: 18
    I get numb toes on the elliptical as well.

    I don't know what your electrolyte level is but a low one is a common cause of muscle cramps.
    Whether it's this or something else, magnesium helps immensely to prevent cramps.
  • fiberartist219
    fiberartist219 Posts: 1,865 Member
    I don't have any advice to offer, but I can commiserate. My feet cramped up last night after some jump rope and some lunges. However, my feet are somewhat deformed. I had a bunion removed several years ago on my right foot. My feet look mostly normal on the outside other than the scars. However, in the x-rays, they look pretty messed up.

    I just try to relax them as much as possible when they hurt. Most of the time, the cramping goes away in a few minutes. If it hurts for a long time, I would probably just find some arm exercises to do while they heal.

    If you find yourself still in pain in a few weeks, a doctor visit might be in order.

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