When you feel a cramp somewhere in your body, such as in your leg or abdomen, it can feel nearly impossible to move until it goes away. And while cramps frequently happen to active individuals, such as runners or athletes, they can also interfere with anyone during their day-to-day life.
Your hands and feet are common areas of the body where you may experience cramps without lifting a muscle. So what’s causing them? Learning about the factors that contribute to cramps can help you discover lifestyle adjustments that may help, as well as when to see a health care professional for further guidance and treatment.
4 factors that contribute to hand and foot cramps
Usually, cramps come and go without leaving a lasting effect on your health, but if they’re happening frequently, they can be really disruptive. Cramps in your hands, for example, can make it difficult to continue on with things like typing or cleaning.
Here are four factors that may be causing cramps in your hands and feet:
- Overuse — Your muscles get tired if they’re used for extended periods without a break. Muscle fatigue in the forearms and calves can lead to cramps because they’re becoming less efficient even as they’re continuing to be used.
- Dehydration — Drinking enough water every day plays a large role in your overall health and wellness, as well as helping to reduce the likelihood of cramps. When your body doesn’t have enough water, your blood flow is reduced, leading to cramps in your hands and feet due to muscle fatigue from lack of oxygen.
- Lack of electrolytes — Similar to dehydration, low electrolytes can also lead to cramps in your hands and feet. When you’re dehydrated, you’re losing electrolytes that your muscles need to function properly, including magnesium, potassium and sodium.
- Improper footwear — If you’re experiencing recurring foot cramps, it may have something to do with your shoes. Shoes that fit too tight or don’t provide proper arch support can result in cramps because you’re likely putting excessive pressure on certain parts of your foot or ankle.
Franklin Rehabilitation can help reduce cramps in hands and feet
While cramps in your hands and feet are usually temporary and resolve on their own, having recurring cramps can be frustrating and impact your overall quality of life. At Franklin Rehabilitation, we can help you make the lifestyle adjustments needed to reduce your cramps and improve muscle quality.
Call us or request an appointment today to learn how non-medicated stretching, exercises, and other physical therapy techniques can help relieve your cramps for good.
