When you feel a cramp somewhere in your body, such as in your leg or abdomen, it can feel nearly impossible to move until it goes away. Cramps refer to sudden muscle contractions that cause pain for several seconds or minutes.

Your hands and feet are both common areas of the body where you may experience cramps. But what’s causing them? Learning about the factors that contribute to cramps can help you discover lifestyle adjustments that may help, as well as when to see a health care professional for further guidance and treatment.

4 factors that contribute to hand and foot cramps

The thing about muscle cramps is that they can come out of nowhere and take you completely by surprise by the temporary yet intense impact. Cramps in your hand can make it difficult to continue on with a task, whether it be typing or cleaning. When you feel a cramp in your feet, it can be challenging to walk or stand until it fades away.

There are various reasons why you may be feeling cramps in your hands and feet, many of which are lifestyle choices or circumstances.

Here are four factors that may be causing cramps in your hands and feet:

• Overuse — Your muscles get tired if they’re used for extended periods without a break. That’s why it’s possible to feel cramps in your hand if you’re typing or writing for hours on paper. Straining your muscles can lead to cramps because they’re contracting in response to the stress.
• Dehydration — Drinking enough water every day plays a large role in your overall health and wellness, including your blood circulation. When your body doesn’t have enough water,your blood flow is reduced, leading to cramps in your hands and feet due to muscle fatigue from lack of oxygen.
• Lack of electrolytes — Branching off the point about dehydration, low electrolytes can also lead to cramps in your hands and feet. When you’re dehydrated, you’re losing electrolytes that your muscles need to function properly, including magnesium, potassium and sodium.
• Improper footwear — If you’re experiencing recurring foot cramps, it may have something to do with your shoes. Shoes that fit too tight or don’t provide proper arch support can result in cramps because you’re likely putting excessive pressure on certain parts of your foot, such as the toes. 

Franklin Rehabilitation can help reduce cramps in hands and feet

While cramps in your hands and feet are temporary and may seem easy to just brush off, having recurring cramps can impact your overall quality of life. At Franklin Rehabilitation, we can help you make the lifestyle adjustments needed to reduce your cramps and improve muscle quality.

Call us or request an appointment today to reduce cramps in your hands and feet.