Muscle Spasms: Minor Annoyance or Major Problem?

You know the feeling—that twitching or cramping sensation in your feet or toes sometimes accompanied by tingling or numbness and muscle fatigue. It can come on at any time and while usually brief is definitely uncomfortable and can even be painful. Known as carpopedal spasms, at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle, we see muscle spasms in the feet of patients for a variety of reasons.

Finding the Source of the Spasm

The trouble with muscle spasms are that they can be a signal of something minor that’s easily remedied or an early warning sign of a serious health problem. On the less worrisome side of the spectrum, spasms can be caused by:

• Dehydration

• Electrolyte imbalance

• Muscles cramping due to a sport or fitness activity

• Hyperventilation

Keeping your fluid intake up and being sure to stay active and stretch before physical activities should take care of spasms if one of the above reasons is their cause.

If, however, even after trying to increase your fluids and taking proper exercise precautions you find that the spasms are continuing, it’s time to make an appointment at our Waldorf or Clinton office to see our board certified podiatrist, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss. The foot doctor will take a complete medical history and examine your feet and toes. Blood, urine or other lab studies may also be ordered. More serious possible causes of spasms include:

• Vitamin D deficiency

• Kidney disease

• Neuromuscular disorders such as Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis

• Nerve damage to one or more nerves in the foot

• Thyroid problems

• Taking certain medications

As with most foot and ankle problems, early detection is linked to best treatment results. If you are suffering from recurrent spasms in your toes or feet, contact us at (301) 868-3899 or (301) 843-9581 and find out what’s causing them so you can get started with the right treatment as soon as possible.