Q:What Causes Foot Spasms?

A:

Spasms can be unsettling and most people wonder after they have had a spasm about what caused it and if it could be a warning sign of a something worse going on. If you want to know why you are having spasms, first it is important to know exactly what a spasm is. A spasm is a contraction that occurs in the hands, fingers, feet or toes. Sometimes spasms can be violent and are seen along with muscle cramps, convulsions and twitching.

A spasm in the feet or toe is called a carpopedal spasm. Carpopedal spasms are usually accompanied by numbness, tingling, or a “pins-and-needles” feeling. Muscle weakness, fatigue, cramping, twitching, and uncontrolled, purposeless, rapid movement are not an uncommon occurrence with carpopedal spasms either. Some common causes of spasms are:

• Hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency)
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Muscle cramps (Most often caused by sports or occupational muscle injury)