The Patient UK website describes a foot cramp as a muscle spasm that occurs when a muscle contracts too hard. The pain from the cramp will last anywhere from a few seconds to even ten minutes with varying severity. Foot cramps can occur in anybody but are more frequent in those who are over the age of 80. There are several causes of chronic foot cramps.
Flat Feet
Patient UK states that one of the major causes of chronic foot cramps is a condition known as "flat feet." Flat feet are also known as pes planus, which is defined by MedlinePlus as a condition in which the instep of the foot, the arch, is in contact with the ground, either because it has collapsed or because the arch never developed in the first place. The pressure that the patient's body puts on the foot muscles will lead to the patient having chronic foot cramps.
Diuretics or Water Tablets
According to Patient UK, diuretic drugs, also known as water pills, are a the common cause of chronic foot cramps in patients. Diuretics are used to treat a variety of conditions such as high blood pressure, glaucoma and edema, by forcing the kidneys to produce more urine. As the water is removed, sometimes this can cause an imbalance of the calcium and potassium levels in the body. These minerals are necessary for muscular function, and an imbalance can lead to muscle spasms.
Later Stages of Pregnancy
Patient UK and MayoClinic.com both describe the later stages of pregnancy as a cause for frequent foot cramps. The pressure from the patient's uterus on the veins returning blood from the legs and feet causes muscle spasms. These occur mostly at night.
