Anyone who has experienced a foot cramp is familiar with the discomfort it can cause. It may happen as a result of being dehydrated, or from having low potassium levels. The latter condition can be referred to as hypokalemia and may be accompanied by fatigue and weakness. Wearing tight shoes may also cause foot cramps, in addition to having specific types of nerve damage. A foot cramp is a sudden contraction of a muscle, and it can happen during the day. It may also wake a patient up from sleeping, and pointing and stretching the foot may bring temporary relief. People who frequently exercise may find they occasionally get foot cramps, possibly as a result of having overworked muscles. Existing medications may cause foot cramps. These can include asthma, blood pressure, and statin drugs, in addition to medicine for Alzheimer’s disease. If you are experiencing foot cramps, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer correct treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Institue. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George, Hurricane, and Cedar City, UT and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.