# Foot Cramps while walking

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foot-cramps-while-walking/599085>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [October 9, 2011, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foot-cramps-while-walking/599085 "2011-10-09T16:57:41Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Lilacs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Lilacs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lilacs)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2011, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foot-cramps-while-walking/599085/1 "2011-10-09T16:57:41Z")

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I considered general questions, but I figured this question might get more anecdotal information and may not have a “factual” answer.

The last week or so, when I’ve used the treadmill, I start getting foot cramps in my right foot. It never fully cramps but I can feel it starting. I’ve tried using aspercreme on it but it only helps a little.

As a result I begin to walk favoring the right foot, and give myself shin splints in my left shin. Any suggestions on how to “work” the cramp out on my own?

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**Author:** ![Al\_Bundy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@Al\_Bundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al_Bundy)\
**Post date:** [October 9, 2011, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foot-cramps-while-walking/599085/2 "2011-10-09T21:09:41Z")

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If you are just starting a fitness program on the treadmill, part of it may be normal. The repetitiveness of treadmill walking can contribute because the foot is forced to land in an identical position. Outside walking varies the landing and helps avoid cramps. If you are fit and this just developed out of the blue, check the shoes for wear. Try a different pair of shoes. Try adding a magnesium supplement of up to 1.5g per day.

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**Author:** ![Lilacs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Lilacs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lilacs)\
**Post date:** [October 10, 2011, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foot-cramps-while-walking/599085/3 "2011-10-10T18:31:31Z")

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Thanks. I was off the regimen for a few months thanks to my migraine problem, but I’ve never had this happen before when I’ve used the treadmill. I probably do need to get some new shoes.