Foot and ankle cramps

[taterkc]

I have a hard time doing shuffles, jumping jacks and any other movement that is long term foot/ankle pumping. It's not my shoes-it's the same whether old or new shoes. As soon as I stop for a new seconds the cramping or lactic acid goes away. But starts again when I go back to those moves. Any ideas? Do I have weak ankles? Or are the muscles too tight perhaps? My feet wear out way before my cardio capacity does [emoji53]


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[Nanbo]

@taterkc , This used to happen to me too! Your feet will get stronger as time goes on. Thinking I might be low on electrolytes, I started taking in more potassium (avocados, coconut water, bananas) and using a magnesium oil spray by Ancient Minerals (suggested by the Nourishing Gurus). This seemed to help with those weird little "cramping" areas as well as the dreaded nighttime calf/shin cramps.

 

[kathydaffy]

Doing foot exercises can help too, believe it or not. Jessica Smith has an amazing foot/ankle routine on one of her DVDs - my boyfriend was having trouble with foot cramps but they went away after he started doing those moves. Wish I could remember the name of the DVD! It included massaging your feet, wiggling your toes, trying to spread your toes out as far as possible, ankle "swats" (swat ankle back and forth), ankle circles, picking up a towel with your toes, trying to lift only your big toe - I realize they all sound silly but they worked. I try to do them at night while in couch potato mode and do think they're beneficial. Good luck! Cramped feet is no fun...

 

[Nanbo]

My Mom used to play a game with us where we picked up marbles with our toes and dropped them into a bowl. It is great for developing dexterity and strength in the feet. She is a huge advocate of going barefoot as much as possible...I especially loved the first day of spring when she would have us go barefoot on our lawn to feel the grass between our toes even if you had to clear some snow away first!

 

[~Elsie]

Agree that Jessica Smith really knows her stuff & her ankle recommendations are spot on.
Walking barefoot in sand is excellent for ankle strengthening and overall foot stability. I am not sure how accessible this is for you. It's great though!! (walking in sand is also recommended for neuromuscular re-balancing) Legs Up Wall posture is my go-to for swollen ankles and just fatigue, but I am not certain if that is what you are dealing with. I often do this before a step workout.

Was wondering if anyone has tried out these boards? https://www.amazon.com/OPTP-Rock-An...qid=1471040456&sr=8-28&keywords=ankle+balance and what your experience is?
I always need some extra ankle care.

 

[desertambrosia]

My Mom used to play a game with us where we picked up marbles with our toes and dropped them into a bowl. It is great for developing dexterity and strength in the feet. She is a huge advocate of going barefoot as much as possible...I especially loved the first day of spring when she would have us go barefoot on our lawn to feel the grass between our toes even if you had to clear some snow away first!

What a great Mom!! We ran barefoot all Summer too. To this day, when I come home from work, the first to go, are the shoes and bra! Yup.

 

[DirtDiva]

I never wear shoes while lifting or doing dvd workouts. Quite a few years back, I rolled an ankle doing a cardio dvd workout in the winter. I had to utilize an ankle brace for months (it was bad) and since I couldn't wear shoes I became really comfortable working out shoe-less. I have not had any foot or ankle issues since, even while doing my usual 275 pound squats or any type of hiit workout. I think barefoot is a good thing.