Why do feet cramp? Dr. Ray McClanahan opens this discussion by acknowledging several possible medical explanations, including electrolyte abnormalities, circulation problems, medication effects and nerve conditions. He then turns to the pattern of arch-muscle cramping he describes seeing in his clinic.
Using a foot model, he explains his view of how heel elevation and toe spring relate to muscle position. The discussion connects that explanation with flat footwear, a toe-extensor stretch and metatarsal pads. These are elements of the presenter's approach, not a diagnosis of the cause of a reader's cramps.
The distinction between possible medical causes and the presenter's mechanical explanation matters. Cramping during a movement should not automatically be dismissed as harmless, and this video is not a reason to stop prescribed medication. Use it to prepare questions for an individual assessment.
Video length: 5 min 19 sec. Originally published on YouTube: .