Balls of feet keep cramping up

[OakLeaf]

Here are some foot exercises. http://www.runnersworld.com/injury-p...-FootArchReset There's a link in the article to the Phase 1 exercises, but not vice versa, which is why I'm linking to Phase 2/3.

This is from a running site, but IMO foot strength and flexibility are just as important on the bike as it is walking/running - maybe even more so, since while you naturally get some foot exercise from running, on the bike your feet are locked into position and not bearing your full body weight, and it's really easy to ignore them. The most common cause of cramping is unaccustomed use. "Unaccustomed use" can definitely come from poor fit. But it can also just be what it is.

[Donna1960]

Thank you I will work on these. I did ride without any insoles one day for about 33 miles and it was slightly better. Then I tried the insoles from my favorite sneakers which fit the shoes perfectly and that was even better. Still a slight problem with my left foot which may be due to a bunion of sorts. I wish I could have "tried before I bought". I am going to ask a friend who wears the same size shoe as me to let me try her bike out. She does not have the lollipop pedals. I am curious to see how that will work out. Thanks for all the replies everyone!

[Amazellen2]

Hi Donna,
I've had hot foot and charlie horses for years. New shoes, new pedals, new shoe plate positions, etc... nothing worked. I've started taking Magnesium, and voila.... no more hot foot or cramps. Not sure if it's the same issue at all... but give it a try.
Cheers,
E

[withm]

When I see the title of this thread a fumy mental image comes to mind - picture a ball of string, a ball of twine. Now a ball of feet?