Why do I get cramps in my feet?

Foot cramps are the same phenomenon as any muscle cramp - a muscle suddenly tightening into a painful knot - but the small muscles of the foot and arch are especially prone, because they work hard stabilising you all day and complain when overused, under-fuelled, or trapped in tight shoes. MedlinePlus names the drivers: overused or injured muscles, too little fluid, and low levels of minerals such as sodium, potassium, or calcium. The NHS adds that cramps commonly strike at night or when resting - toes curling into a claw at 2am is the classic - and notes some medicines, including statins and diuretics, on the cause list. In the moment: pull your toes gently toward you, massage the arch, or stand and put weight through the foot - the NHS confirms stretching and standing both help. Prevention for the repeat offender: hydrate through the day (and extra around exercise), stretch your calves and feet before bed - tight calves load the foot muscles - replace salts sensibly if you sweat heavily, and audit your shoes; unsupportive or tight footwear makes the small muscles grip for stability all day. New exercise loads are a common spark, so build gradually. The see-a-GP patterns: cramps that persist despite hydration and stretching, cramping with swelling, redness, or numbness in one foot or leg, or cramps that began with a new medicine - that prescription review may be the whole fix. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you find your driver.