I first thought it was a potassium thing, but my doc checked and my level was fine. He was the one who suggested the anticramp pills. I was really skeptical, but they did work.
I am very careful about shoes, also. I have this inserts the podiatrist makes. I am never sure if they make any difference, either.
After all of these responses, I will definitely talk to my dr about any possible viatmin/mineral deficiencies. My bloodsugars are definitely not perfect, but I have never seen any correlation between higher sugars/more insulin and these foot cramps. I have noticed that they do get worse with cold so I tend to go to bed with socks on though they inevitably come off in the middle of the night because I get really hot when I sleep for some reason. I should also look into my shoes too, I guess. I have never paid much attention to them. I walk a lot and I generally wear sneakers, but ones that I've had for years. Also, I sometimes walk around on my lunch break at work, but I keep my work shoes on...perhaps that is not a good idea.
At any rate, thanks for all of the responses!
All the running stuff I've read, seminars w/ the PT people at the local store, etc. suggest that you need to replace shoes every 400 miles or so which may seem like a long time but, if you're walking regularly and on your feet, doesn't take long at all. I forgot when I posted before but the local store has a helpful link, prepared by some physical therapists, one of whom paced the 10:00/ mile group, with tips for dealing with other running injuries? http://runningcompany.com/Running-Injuries/