Foot Cramps and Calcium

Cramps in the foot muscles, often occurring at night, can be extremely painful. Fortunately these cramps are usually of short duration and relieved by stretching and dietary changes. Insufficient calcium can play a role in causing foot and leg cramps, while taking calcium and vitamin D supplements or increasing dietary calcium consumption may bring relief to foot cramp sufferers.

Muscle Cramps

A muscle cramp is an involuntary contraction of the muscles that is often severely painful. Cramps in the feet and legs can occur, usually at night, for a variety of reasons including overexertion of the muscles through sports or a muscle injury, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Prolonged sitting or standing on hard surfaces can also lead to night time foot cramping, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center. Dehydration and insufficient calcium or magnesium can also lead to food cramps. Most foot cramps can be relieved by gently stretching or taking a hot shower or warm bath.

Calcium

Calcium in the bloodstream plays a critical role in transmitting nerve impulses and causing muscle contraction, according to the Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute. Calcium ions receive messages from nerve impulses, signalling the need to contract a muscle. This triggers the cell membrane to open and allow more calcium ions into the muscle cells, where they bind with activator proteins and cause the muscle to contract. Sufficient amounts of calcium are usually maintained in the bloodstream because the body will pull calcium from the skeleton if dietary calcium is lacking. Excessive caffeine consumption, vitamin D deficiency or high sodium can lead to temporarily low levels of serum calcium that may cause foot cramps.

Supplements

Over-the-counter calcium and magnesium supplements may relieve leg and foot cramps, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center. Vitamin D is necessary for proper calcium absorption. Vitamin D supplements may help relieve foot cramps, but be certain to take them under a physician's supervision, according to the National Institutes of Health MedLine Plus. Drinking plenty of fluids daily and consuming a diet rich in nutrients, including vitamin D and calcium, can help alleviate foot cramps, so consider drinking fortified milk or yogurt-based beverages for a dietary dose of both liquid and calcium.

Considerations and Warnings

Muscle cramps in the feet may be caused by uncommon but potentially serious diseases or negative health conditions, including thyroid disorders, Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Hypoglycemia and Parkinson's disease can also cause foot cramps, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center. See a physician for any severe or ongoing episodes of foot cramping, especially those that are not swiftly relieved by stretching and replenishing fluids and minerals.