Foot cramps can strike at any time and normally come about as a result of dehydration, poor circulation, wearing improper shoes, low salt or a pinched nerve. However, foot cramps can also be a symptom of a vitamin deficiency. The only way to know for sure is to see a physician, but foot cramps due to a vitamin deficiency usually subside when the deficiency is treated.
Vitamin Deficiency
Every vitamin has a recommended daily allowance, which is the amount you should obtain of each vitamin daily to prevent disease and to prevent or treat vitamin deficiency. Vitamin deficiency is caused by not obtaining an adequate level of vitamins. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain or weakness, bone or joint pain, hair loss or changes in heart rhythm. Vitamin deficiency usually occurs over time.
Causes
Vitamin deficiency is often caused by not eating healthy meals. Foods void of real vitamin and mineral content such as candy or chips can result in malnutrition, which in turn leads to vitamin deficiency. A vitamin deficiency can also be caused by malabsorption due to medical conditions or surgical operations. Foot cramps from vitamin deficiency are often caused by a deficiency in vitamin D.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D, obtained by exposure to sunlight and food, is necessary for strong bones. Not getting enough vitamin D can lead to rickets. This deficiency most often occurs in people who must stay indoors, people who work indoors in daylight hours, people who are lactose intolerant or in those who follow a strict vegetarian diet. Symptoms of rickets include bone pain or tenderness, muscle cramps, impaired growth, short stature and dental deformities.
Considerations
Reduce the risk of developing rickets by getting plenty of sunlight and eating foods that contain both calcium and vitamin D. If you already have a deficiency, your physician will suggest taking a vitamin D supplement or a multivitamin that contains vitamin D. Do not take supplements to treat any form of foot cramp or pain before you consult with a physician. Diabetes, deep vein thrombosis and potassium deficiency can also cause foot cramps.
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