Foot cramp

[Lois]

I've very rarely had cramp before, I think I've had it once or twice in my toe when I've been swimming, but since I've started Karate I keep getting it in my feet. I warm up and stretch before I start, but is there anything else I can do to stop it? I've got a grading coming up soon and don't want it getting in the way!

[Streps]

I used to suffer with cramp in my toes in my judo day's
I was offered some kind of electrolite drink.

Can't think of anything else other than trying to be as hydrated as possible and a good warm up perhaps concentrating on the offending place beforehand .

I noticed when i got more into a routine with my fitness regime it became more of a rare event.

Edited by Streps on Saturday 30th October 21:22

[grumbledoak]

It's your nervous system misfiring. Salt, normally, for me. Possibly a banana, though that's Potassium rather than Sodium.

Edited by grumbledoak on Saturday 30th October 21:22

[Loopyleesa]

I think any kind of cramp is a nice pain, same as pins and needles.

But I can imagine if you are in a competion it might be pretty painful.

Not much help really, sorry!

[Craphouserat]

Drink a few glasses of Tonic water a day for a while. Works for me - can't remember the name(hangover!) but there is something in it which helps cramps.

[Babu 01]

Either dehydration or potassium shortage to blame usually so try more water and a banana a day.

[Lois]

Damn bananas! Will try it!

[Lemmonie]

yes i agree with the bannana suggestions.

Other thing to add would be to look at your trainers. Are they new/old or providing the correct support?

I used to wear the same trainers for years and suffered with foot cramps then got properly sorted out with a pair of trainers to support my fallen arch feet and it made a world of difference

[Lois]

I do it bare foot. That's a pain in itself!

[Lemmonie]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Ouch! I could never do that simply because of my crappy feet and the fallen/low arches. I'd be in agony in five mins and it's usually a cramp pain too.

Bannanas for you then!

[Lois]

It also means I have to keep up with my pedicures, there are some truly scare toenails there!!

[Lemmonie]

I could certainly help with the pedicures if you were local

[Pickled Piper]

Karate puts heavy demands on your lower limbs, couple this with training in bare feet and it's not hard to understand why you are getting aches and pains. If it's genuine cramp then an electrolyte additive to your drink will help. I am sure the runners on here can recommend a brand.

Also, keep up the stretching. Exercising by placing a tennis ball under the arch of your foot is good for stimulating the muscles and getting all the bones moving in the feet.

pp