Four reasons athletes develop cramps on top of their foot

inner foot arch pain

There are many issues that athletes may face, including sprains, strains and other musculoskeletal injuries. However, one of the most common issues is an involuntary contraction or spasming of a leg or foot muscle. To most people, this is known as a muscle cramp. 

Athletes put a lot of stress on their feet, so you may not be shocked to learn that foot cramps are a common issue for athletes. A study on American athletes found that they experience 74% of the cramps that affect the general population. Cramps on the top or bottom of the foot can catapult you out of even the deepest of sleeps. They can also lead to extended foot pain and stiffness. 

Working with a physical therapist can give you a better feel for why athletes develop cramps on top of their feet and other places in their lower limbs. A physical therapist can also help athletes find effective treatment options for cramps and other sports-related conditions. 

Athletes often develop cramps on the top and bottom of their feet for these reasons: 

  1. Overuse — Almost everyone spends lots of time on their feet every day, but athletes tend to take this to a much higher level than the average person. Additionally, athletes tend to do activities like running and jumping that put more strain on their feet. Spending so much time on your feet may lead to the overuse of your leg and foot muscles. This overuse can increase your risk of cramps. 
  1. Dehydration — A lack of water, or dehydration, can also leave athletes more susceptible to cramping. The reason? A lower water content in your body makes your blood thicker. Thicker blood equates to decreased blood flow. Lower blood flow results in less water, nutrients and oxygen getting to your muscles, which makes them more likely to cramp up. 
  1. Nutrient shortage — Not having enough water isn’t the only shortage that can lead to cramps. Not having enough of certain nutrients can also increase the risk of cramps. A shortage of magnesium or potassium is the most likely to trigger cramps throughout the body. 
  1. Improper footwear — Improper footwear can be a huge problem for athletes since they spend so much time on their feet. For one thing, poorly fitting shoes may fail to help ease the stress athletes place on their feet. They can also increase the amount of work your muscles have to do, which can increase the risk of cramping. 

SSOR offers help for people experiencing cramps on top of their feet and in their legs

Waking up regularly with a cramp on the top of your foot or somewhere else in your leg? Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation has a team of physical therapists who can help you. We can do a free screening of your legs and feet that’s designed to reveal the source(s) of your cramps. Then, our team can create a personalized treatment plan for you that’s intended to help you avoid future cramps.

Contact us today for more information about all the services we offer for athletes or to schedule an initial appointment to start treating your sports-related condition.